Late Basket Gives Union Men’s Basketball an Overtime Win Over Truett McConnell
| Final | 1 | 2 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Truett McConnell (12-15, 9-10) | 39 | 26 | 10 | 75 |
|
Union Commonwealth (13-15, 11-8) | 38 | 27 | 12 | 77 |
BARBOURVILLE, Ky. – Union Commonwealth University's men's basketball team (13-15, 11-8 AAC) defeated Truett McConnell (12-15, 9-10 AAC) in overtime Saturday night at Robsion Arena, 77-75.
Before the game, Kam O'Connor, Kenton Wright, Dallas Rufus, Kaleb Hedgepeth and Drew Rhodes were recognized on Senior Night, as it marked the final time they suited up for the Bulldogs at Robsion Arena.
Ali Sakho led the Bulldogs with a double-double, going 7-of-10 from the field with 15 points and 15 rebounds. Kam O'Connor followed with 14 points, shooting 50% from 3-point range. Dallas Rufus added 13 points, and Kaleb Hedgepeth rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half: Truett McConnell 39, Union Commonwealth 38
Through the first 10 minutes, both teams traded baskets, with the Bulldogs taking an 18-16 lead following a free throw from Sakho. Union stretched its lead to seven at 27-20 with 7:30 remaining in the half. A dunk by Hedgepeth at the 5:04 mark kept the Bulldogs ahead 32-26.
The Bears responded with a 10-0 run over the next four minutes to take a 36-32 lead. Both teams traded 3-pointers down the stretch, but Truett McConnell took a one-point advantage into halftime, 39-38.
Second Half: Union Commonwealth 65, Truett McConnell 65
Union opened the second half with the first basket, but the Bears stayed close. With 12:39 remaining in regulation, the Bulldogs trailed 52-49 before a defensive stop led to a game-tying 3-pointer by O'Connor.
Truett McConnell answered with a 4-0 run, but back-to-back 3-pointers gave Union a 58-56 lead. With 4:38 left, the Bulldogs led 62-57 before the Bears went on an 8-1 run to take a 65-62 advantage.
Union tied the game at 65-65, and neither team could score in the closing moments of regulation, sending the game to overtime.
Overtime: Union Commonwealth 77, Truett McConnell 75
The teams traded baskets in overtime until the score was knotted at 75-75 with 29 seconds remaining. Drew Rhodes knocked down a long, clutch jumper just inside the arc to give Union a 77-75 lead with six seconds left.
Truett McConnell had a chance to tie the game on the final possession, but Jamarion Gaines blocked a layup attempt at the buzzer to seal the Bulldogs' win.
To see the Baymont Inn Player of the Game, click here.
UP NEXT
The Bulldogs now turn their attention to the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament next week as they await their seed.
