The Southern Wesleyan Men’s Basketball team battled for 55 minutes with the NAIA’s 22nd ranked team, but in the end, it was the Flames who came out victorious 88-83.
Both teams struggled offensively from the outset and it showed on the scoreboard as the teams were tied at 6-6 after the first seven minutes of the game. At that point, Southern Wesleyan (9-11, 1-9) seized control of the game with a quick 6-0 that gave them a cushion that allowed them to lead for the remainder of the first half. After two free throws by Brandon Jankowy, the lead had increased to nine points with 1:26 remaining in the half. The Flames gained a little momentum at the end the half with back-to-back baskets by Rodney Spruill and Jerel Blocker that sent the teams to their respective locker rooms with the Warriors leading 29-24.
Lee (18-6, 7-2) continued to reduce the Southern Wesleyan lead, but with the score 31-31, Tae Roebuck scored back-to-back baskets and then Nick Crowder drained a three point basket to jump ahead by seven points. The Flames made their first significant move of the game after Southern Wesleyan’s quick seven point run when they scored 11 consecutive points to take their largest lead of the game at 42-38.
Southern Wesleyan was now faced with the task of coming back and Aramus Smith took on the responsibility himself as he scored consecutive baskets to tie the game at 42-42. The Flames were able to surge ahead with an 11-4 run and held a 53-46 lead with 6:36 remaining in the game. The Warriors had more comeback ability in them as they scored 10 consecutive points with Smith again playing a key role with five points including two free throws that gave Southern Wesleyan a 60-57 lead with 22 seconds remaining in the game. Lee got the clutch three-point basket they needed when Murray Jenkins’ shot bounced on the rim two times before falling through the rim with 11.5 seconds left. Smith had a shot in the lane to win the game, but it was blocked and the fans were going to be treated to extra basketball. No one in attendance knew how much extra basketball they were going to see.
In the first overtime, the Warriors scored the first four points on baskets in the lane by Nathan Wilson and Nick Lagroone. Lee’s Josh Nofflet scored to cut the lead in half. After a free throw by Damel Wilson, Murray came through with another clutch three-point field goal to even the score at 65-65. Tae Roebuck put Southern Wesleyan ahead by two points after draining a turnaround jump shot in the lane, but Murray was fouled on a three-point field goal attempt and made two of three attempts resulting in the tenth tie of the game. Lee finally got their first lead of the first overtime session on two free throws by Teddrick Hardy, but this time, Southern Wesleyan had the answer as Smith made a layup amongst traffic in the lane to tie the game at 69-69. Jerel Blocker’s 28-foot jump shot hit off the back of the rim and it was on to a second overtime period.
Once again, the Warriors jumped out to a quick lead after Nathan Wilson scored consecutive baskets along with a free throw to gain a 74-69 advantage. After the teams traded baskets, it was Tyler Cutter’s turn to knock down a clutch three-point basket with 37 seconds remaining in overtime. Nikola Lambic made a free throw to extend the lead to three points, but as they had done three times previously, the Flames came up with another three-point basket when they needed it, and this time, it was Blocker with 6.9 seconds left in the game. The Warriors couldn’t get a shot off before the buzzer and the teams were on their way to a third overtime with the score tied 77-77.
After leading most of the two overtime periods, the Warriors never led in the third and what turned out to be, final overtime period. Both teams scored four points, but the Flames scored seven of the game’s final nine points and left historic Tysinger Gymnasium with an 88-83 victory.
Nick Lagroone scored 21 points to lead the Warriors with four other teammates scoring in double figures. Tae Roebuck recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Lee’s Blocker scored a game high 27 points.
