SEWANEE, Tenn. (Feb. 21, 2014) – A number of clutch shots helped the Sewanee men's basketball team to an 81-69 overtime win over Southern Athletic Association (SAA) rival Rhodes, Friday, in front an electric crowd inside Juhan Gymnasium.
In front of a capacity crowd, which included a boisterous student section, Sewanee opened the game by making five out of its first six attempts.
Like the Tigers, Rhodes also played well early. The Lynx answered back with a layup by Ryan Van hoeck and back-to-back threes by Johnny Dunavant and Brennan Sullivan.
The score remained close until the 5:16 mark in the first half. A jumper by Keshonn Carter sparked a 10-4 run by the Tigers.
Down by nine, 33-24, to start the second half, Rhodes slowly started its comeback. The Lynx would eventually pull to within two, 57-55, with an old fashion three-point play by Geoff Livsey.
Two minutes later, Rhodes took its first lead since the 14:48 mark in the first half when Patrick McGrail made a three from the left corner.
However, Sewanee answered back as Jorden Williamsmade a three on the Tigers' next possession.
After a turnover by Rhodes, Sewanee ran the clock down to just under 20 seconds. With the shot clock down to one, Williams hit a fade away jumper at the elbow to give the Tigers a three-point lead, 62-59, with 17 seconds to play.
On the next Rhodes possession, Drew Miller found Dunavant off a screen at the top of the key. Dunavant then threw up a three between two Sewanee defenders that went in with three seconds left in regulation.
In the overtime period, Sewanee wasted little time taking control. The Tigers opened with a pair of free throws from Marcellus Caldwell. After a forcing a Rhodes turnover, Williams then made a deep three with 1:53 to play.
On the next Rhodes possession, Seth Brown forced another steal. Caldwell then pushed the Tiger advantage to 11, with two more free throws.
From there, Sewanee would never look back. Two more free throws by Williams and Carter helped seal the victory.
Overall, Sewanee made 54.2 percent of its attempts. That total included a strong 9-for-19 effort from beyond the three-point line. The Tigers also made 20-of-25 free throws.
Individually, Williams led Sewanee with a game-high 22 points. Caldwell, who added 14 points, and Matt Tome, who finished with 12, joined him in double figures. Additionally, Carter scored 18 points and added 13 rebounds.
Dunavant and Livsey each had 14 points for the Lynx.
Sewanee will close out the regular season with a 3:00 p.m. game against Hendrix, Sunday.
For more information on Sewanee Athletics, please visit www.SewaneeTigers.com. You can also check the Tigers out on Twitter and Facebook.