WINCHESTER, Va. – The Shenandoah University men's basketball team returned to action Monday afternoon following a 10-day hiatus, falling 87–82 at home in overtime against Arcadia University in non-conference play.
The Hornets (5–7) trailed by double digits early in the second half but surged ahead of the Knights (4–6) on a one-handed slam by
Shamir Taylor. In the final 30 seconds of regulation, Arcadia held a four-point lead, but Shenandoah rallied and forced overtime when Taylor sank a pair of free throws. During the extra period, the Knights outscored the Hornets 10–5, including an 8–0 run, to secure the road victory.
RECAP
Davion Roberts gave Shenandoah an early 5–3 lead with a three-pointer assisted by
Gavin Bizyak, but the visitors responded with an 8–0 run. Arcadia extended its lead to 10 points with 12:08 remaining in the first half. Back-to-back three-pointers by the Hornets sparked a rally, cutting the deficit to four.
Guards
Elia Morandotti and
Joshua Stephen added two more three-pointers, bringing Shenandoah within two points with just over nine minutes left in the half. However, Arcadia regained momentum and carried an eight-point advantage into halftime.
The Knights opened the second half strong, pushing their lead back to double digits while holding the Hornets to just one made basket in the first four minutes.
Taylor then ignited Shenandoah's offense with consecutive three-pointers, followed by a driving layup from Stephen, capping an 8–0 Hornets run and forcing an Arcadia timeout. Following the break, the Knights scored, but Shenandoah answered to tie the game at 51.
With the score tied, Stephen grabbed a steal and led a fast break, finding Taylor for a thunderous one-handed dunk that gave SU a two-point lead. However, the Hornets were assessed a technical foul immediately after the play, allowing the Knights to even the score at 53.
The two teams traded baskets in a tightly contested final stretch. Arcadia gained a four-point lead in the final minute of regulation, but Morandotti's driving layup brought the Hornets within two. Taylor then tied the game with two free throws after a crucial defensive rebound.
In overtime, Arcadia's defense held Shenandoah to 22% shooting while the Knights shot over 50% on their end. A late and-one conversion sealed the game for the visitors, putting it out of reach with 20 seconds remaining.
Shenandoah had five players score in double figures, led by Stephen with 21 points. Roberts and Taylor added 17 and 14 points, respectively, while Bizyak and Morandotti contributed 10 points each. The Hornets also collected 37 rebounds, with Bizyak and Roberts each grabbing a team-high six.
UP NEXT
Shenandoah begins the 2025 calendar year at home on Saturday, resuming ODAC play against Eastern Mennonite University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.
#GoSUHornets
