MITCHELL, S.D. – Dan Hailey connected on a game-tying three-pointer with 30 seconds left in the third overtime, but Dakota State made a basket with just five seconds left to pull out a 95-93 win over the University of Saint Mary men's basketball team Saturday afternoon, on the first day of the Hoop City Classic. Raylon Howard also recorded his second double-double of the season with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Saint Mary is now 5-8 overall on the season.
GAME FLOW
It was a slow start for the Spires as they fell behind early, trailing 31-17 with four minutes left in the first half. Saint Mary would eventually trail 34-22 at halftime after shooting an uncharacteristic 29 percent from the field.
The Spires would claw back in the second half however, as Tevin Killeen, Teyvon Lundy, Howard and Hailey scored nine straight points. Dakota State led 41-39 with just over 14 minutes left. Dakota State extended their lead again, but the Spires fought back and would take the game into overtime. Edvonte Copeland nailed a three-point basket with 1:46 left, but the Trojans sank two free throws to extend the game.
Dakota State would take a 76-73 lead in the overtime period with 29 seconds left, giving the Spires at least one last shot to extend the game. Saint Mary would cash in as Copeland hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 76 with 11 seconds remaining – followed by a Trojans timeout. The game would end up going into three overtime periods, where the Spires would come up just short, 95-93.
KEY STATISTICS
- Four Spires scored in double figures led by Howard's 19 points.
- Saint Mary outrebounded Dakota State 43-34 on the night.
- The Spires hit 12 three-pointers in the game led by four from Copeland.
UP NEXT
The Spires continue play at the Hoop City Classic when they play against 18th-ranked Dakota Wesleyan University Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m.
