OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Christian stunned University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Men's Basketball with a game-winning shot with two seconds left in overtime to defeat the Lions, 84-83, Thursday at the Payne Athletic Center.
Guard Matthew Wilson initially put the Lions on top with a fadeaway jumper with nine seconds left, but the Eagles went the length of the court as Drew Tennial banked in a floater just before the buzzer. The Lions' halfcourt shot attempt came up short.
Tied 30-30 at the half, the Lions grabbed their largest lead of the game at 43-37 just prior to the first media timeout of the second half. However, the Eagles regained the lead with an 8-0 run and the lead swapped hands from there. There were 21 total lead changes and 19 ties.
UAFS led 71-68 with two minutes left after a free throw by forward Chris Rollins, with the Eagles pulling within one with 43 seconds left. The Lions failed to score on their next possession, and the Eagles tied the game by splitting a pair of free throws.
In overtime, the Lions scored the first five points of the period. The Eagles then went on a 6-0 run to take a 77-76 lead before the teams traded baskets on four straight trips down the floor.
Tennial then made one of two free throws before Wilson hit the initial go-ahead shot.
Wilson led all scorers with 27 points on 10-of-21 shooting and 5-for-9 from beyond the arc. Rollins added 19 points and five rebounds.
Guard Evan Anderson chipped in with 15 points, three rebounds and three assists while guard Courtney Murrell had 13 points, three boards and three assists, as well.
The Lions shot 48.5 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from the three-point line, but the Eagles shot 51.7 percent, overall.
The Eagles held a 40-26 advantage in points in the paint and 13-2 edge in fastbreak points. OC also won the battle on the glass, 36-29.
UAFS will return to action for the second half of conference play February 3 against Texas A&M – Commerce at Gayle Kaundart Arena at the Stubblefield Center.