Men's basketball fights to overtime win at Gannon

After a back-and-forth battle, the men’s basketball team grabbed a victory while on the road at Gannon University. With one minute left in the game, a changed call by the referee gave the Fighting Scots the opportunity they needed to force an overtime.

In the final 10 seconds, Owens was driving to the rim when the referees blew the play dead, citing Owens for a travel violation. After congregating, the crew reversed the call, giving Edinboro the ball back with five seconds left on the clock. An expertly-timed pass from Alex Jay to Owens, who scored a layup, would push the game into overtime.

At the start of the first half, Edinboro’s DeAnthony Owens and Jaryn Simpson ignited the court — as well as the scoreboard — with a series of successful 3-point shots. Adding to this energy, senior Trey Staunch followed with a couple of layups as the Scots kept Gannon scoreless for six minutes at one point.

Seven points later, though, Gannon found themselves back in the lead. Edinboro’s Turner Kurt responded with a 3-pointer to put the Fighting Scots back on top, where they’d remain for the duration of the half. Edinboro led 30-28 at intermission.

The Golden Knights started hot in the second half, building a six-point lead over the Scots. All four baskets scored were layups after a turnover, all created by the aggressive Gannon defense. With just under 14 minutes to go, Edinboro managed to climb back on top.

The lead would change eight times in the final 10 minutes, with Gannon riding a four-point margin with less than two minutes remaining. Owens tipped in a layup with 43 seconds left to bring the Scots within two points. 

Owens credited his teammates for the win. “I was like, honestly man we’re back, this was a good team effort. Coach drew up a play and we executed it perfectly,” said Owens. “He drew up a perfect play. And it wasn’t even the first option. The play worked just like he told us it would, and I thank coach for that one.”

Edinboro would go on to dominate the overtime period and eventually win by seven points, with a final score of 74-67. The win boosted Edinboro to 8-14 overall and 5-12 in the PSAC.

Both the women’s and men’s basketball teams will face off against Clarion University Saturday after traveling to Slippery Rock on Wednesday. Saturday’s games will feature an alumni weekend celebration.

Syd Dundon | sports.spectator@gmail.com

RELATED ARTICLES