Clarksville, Ark.-The Howard Payne University men sank a free throw with .5 seconds remaining in overtime after a rare over-the-back foul against Ozarks to complete a wild come-from-behind 83-82 win in American Southwest Conference play Thursday night.
The Eagles (3-9, 1-6) appeared to have the game wrapped up leading 72-67 with 33 seconds left in regulation, but Howard Payne (4-8, 2-4 ASC) rebounded a missed Ozarks’ free throw and scored on a layup just seconds later. Ozarks went to the free throw line with 25 ticks left, but missed both and Brandon Gould again hit a streaking shot to pull the Yellow Jackets within 72-71 with 16 seconds remaining. Ozarks made one-of-two free throws with seven seconds left, allowing Howard Payne to net the game-tying shot with just seconds left on the clock. In overtime, Ozarks held a 82-79 advantage with less than two minutes to play, but Howard Payne wouldn’t go away and eventually tied the score on a three-pointer. Howard Payne would get the last shot with three seconds, and after going for the rebound, Ozarks was whistled for an over-the-back foul with .5 seconds left. Michael Thompson then sank his first free throw to secure a dramatic come-from-behind victory. Howard Payne missed just one field goal in overtime.
Howard Payne led 34-27 at the half, but the Eagles would outscore the visitors 46-39 behind Marcus Bobb’s 13 points in second half play. Ozarks chipped away in the second half as Bobb tied the contest 47-47 on a three-point play at the 11:37 mark. Andrew Cummings put Ozarks in front 58-53 with 7:55 left, and Isaiah Boxell would later put the Eagles ahead 71-65 with only 45 seconds left in the game.