Brycen Wojta scored a game-high 24 points and helped the visiting Royals erase a 14-point second-half deficit in Wednesday night's 71-65 overtime victory over No. 3-ranked St. Thomas in MIAC men's basketball play at Schoenecker Arena. 

The Royals (16-8 overall, 12-7 MIAC), who had just seven turnovers, never led in the second half yet managed to hand the Toms their first home loss in 12 games this season. They missed their first eight shots after halftime then made 11 of their next 17.

The Tommies (21-3, 16-3) have a 17-point win over No. 15-ranked St. Olaf and two close losses over the last five days. They clinched a share of the conference crown on Monday but need a win Saturday at home against Hamline to win an outright MIAC title.

St. Thomas shot 50 percent in the first half but made 9-of-37 shots after halftime and closed at 35 percent on the game. UST was outscored 9-0 in 3-point baskets after halftime.

UST built a 50-36 lead with 9:35 to go but the Royals answered with a 17-3 run over the next 6:30. 

Bridgeport Tusler's inside basket tied the game 57-57 with 40 seconds left in regulation. UST missed a shot and BU inbounded the ball with :05.7 left. The Royals raced up floor and missed a winning layup to send the game to overtime. 

BU closed overtime on a 9-2 run over the last 1:20, including 7-of-9 at the foul line. The Royals took the lead to stay on Kyle Zimmerman's three-point play with 1:20 to go.

Tusler had 12 of his 14 points in the second half, and Zimmerman finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.

UST outrebounded the winners 44-31 and had only 11 turnovers, but couldn't overcome cold shooting. Conner Nord had 16 points and nine rebounds; Ryan Saarela had 10 points and 14 boards; Marcus Alipate had 13 points.