Racers Erase 20-Point Deficit but Fall to Cleary in Overtime

LANSING, MI - UNOH men's basketball clawed their way back into their game against Cleary Wednesday night erasing a 20-point second half deficit, but the Cougars got the final say exploding for 20 points in overtime to take the win 104-96.

It was a game of massive runs that began early in the day with Cleary rattling off an 18-5 steak that put them up 35-18 with 5:11 left in the first. The Racers began to build momentum before halftime and carried their run between the two halves that finished 21-6 and pulled them within two points. 

After the teams traded a few possessions, it was the Cougars getting hot again this time resulting in the biggest run, 23-5, and biggest lead, 64-44, of the game with eleven minutes left to play. Despite the deficit, UNOH had one more push left in the tank answering with their own 20-4 spurt that put them back within striking distance with five minutes remaining. They finally tied the game 74-74 and took their first lead since their first points of the game on the next possession setting up a showdown in the final stretch.

After hitting a big three-point shot that tied the game with ten seconds left, UNOH forced a quick turnover and had a chance to win at the buzzer. The shot rattled out and sent the teams into an extra period. Cleary was almost perfect in the five-minute overtime going a perfect 5-5 from the field that included 3-3 from long range while hitting seven of eight free throw attempts. The Racers weren't able to keep up with their opponent's blistering pace getting outscored 20-12 and ending the night with a devastating overtime loss.

It was a career night for senior Caleb Chapman who finished on top of all scorers with 28 points, a new career high. He also grabbed seven rebounds and swiped a career high seven steals. Antonio King finished with 25 points and eleven rebounds for his twelfth 20-point outing and eighth double-double of the season. Alex Benson scored 19 off the bench while Grant Pikkaart put up 15 with six assists.

Still fighting to earn a post season spot, UNOH will return home for a crucial matchup against Cornerstone on Saturday, February 14.