BUENA VISTA, Va. — The Shenandoah University men's basketball squad was defeated 72-70 in overtime by Southern Virginia University on the road in non-conference play on Saturday.
The Hornets (2-3) led by two with 22 seconds remaining in regulation following a made free throw by Matt Simmons. The Knights (3-1) secured an offensive rebound and scored the game-tying basket with five seconds left, sending the contest into overtime. In the extra period, SVU built a five-point lead, which was erased thanks to four consecutive points from Joseph Baldwin. Baldwin tied the game with 21 seconds remaining, but the Knights utilized the next 20 seconds before sinking the game-winning layup with one second left on the clock.
RECAP
Three-pointers from Davion Roberts and Marcus NeSmith propelled Shenandoah to an early six-point lead just minutes into the game. The Hornets relied on long-range shooting as NeSmith and Joshua Stephen extended the lead to 14-8 just under eight minutes into the first half. NeSmith finished the afternoon with nine points, all coming from beyond the arc.
Over the next four minutes, the home team used an 8-3 run to tie the game at 16. A three-pointer by Roberts and a layup by Stephen restored Shenandoah's lead to five. However, Southern Virginia responded with another run, taking the lead for just the second time in the half.
Late buckets from Dorian Davis and Stephen allowed the Hornets to regain the advantage. NeSmith capped the half with another three-pointer, sending Shenandoah into the locker room with a 33-29 lead.
Southern Virginia opened the second half with a 9-2 run, gaining a three-point advantage. The Hornets quickly responded as Stephen scored four points and Ellis Wright hit a three-pointer to put Shenandoah ahead 42-38.
The Hornets held onto a narrow lead for much of the second half, but the Knights rallied to force overtime. In the extra session, SVU struck first, but Stephen countered for Shenandoah. After the Knights built a five-point lead in the final two minutes, Baldwin brought the Hornets back within striking distance, scoring four of the game's next five points.
With the score tied at 70, SVU missed an initial layup but grabbed the offensive rebound and converted the game-winning shot with one second remaining.
Joshua Stephen led the Hornets with 24 points and seven rebounds in 37 minutes of action. Dorian Davis followed with 12 points and six boards. Roberts and Simmons tied for the team-high in assists with three each.
UP NEXT
Shenandoah returns to action at home this Tuesday in a non-conference matchup against Hood College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
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