TULLAHOMA, TN – Walters State outscored Motlow State 11-8 in overtime Saturday evening as they overcame a last second shot in regulation to take down the Bucks, 96-93.
With the win, Walters State improves to 3-0 on the season and 2-0 in TCCAA play.
The Senators had a three-point lead with just three seconds remaining in regulation, but a last second 3-pointer from Motlow sent the game to overtime deadlocked at 85.
In overtime, Walters State trailed by three with two minutes remaining before Deovaunta Williams hit a game-tying 3-pointer. However, Motlow would regain the lead, up 93-92, with 1:02 remaining. Following a missed shot by the Bucks, Walters State's Jermize Weddle drilled a 3-pointer with just 14 seconds left that proved to be the game-winner.
The Senators were led in the game by Tylar Haynes and Kajuan Hale with 20 points apiece. Hayes was 12-13 from the free throw line and had seven rebounds while Hale was 7-8 from the free throw line and had eight assists and four steals.
Along with those two, Williams and De'Marius Boyd both continued their hot starts to the season. Williams had 19 points on 7-12 shooting while Boyd had 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
Gary Smith Jr. provided seven points off the bench.
While Walters State scored the first point of the game, it was Motlow who got off to the quick start, breaking out to a 19-8 lead.
However, as if a switch was turned on, the Senators woke up and took control. Williams got things started with five straight points and then, after Motlow increased the lead back to 26-19, Walters State ended the half on a 23-8 run. Hale had 11 points during the run. The half was capped off with a dunk by Gum Majek, and the Senators led by eight.
In the second half, Motlow once again started the half off strong and cut the lead to 42-41 just three minutes in. But Hale was there again with four straight points to calm the storm.
Then, with the game tied at 49, Boyd and Williams took over. First, Williams made a layup and then Boyd stole the ball and made a layup of his own to make it a four-point game. Boyd then made two free throws before Destin Baker got in on the fun with a dunk to make it an eight-point game.
However, Boyd and Williams weren't finished. Boyd then made a jump shot and Williams converted an and-one. The 12-0 run was capped off by a dunk from Smith Jr.
From there, the Senators kept a comfortable lead but could never seem to pull away. Motlow continued to chip into the lead until it was tied at 74 with 1:48 to go. Boyd would answer with a jump shot and Haynes would make four straight free throws. But Motlow continued to answer and hit the game tying shot with just two seconds left before the Senators won it in overtime.
UP NEXT:
Walters State will be back in action on Wednesday, travelling to take on Cleveland State. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
Rob Harvey
Walters State Community College
Sports Information Director
Cell: (423) 779-8880
Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu
Website: www.ws.edu/athletics