Brownwood, Texas-Ozarks lost its second straight game in the waning moments after Howard Payne University overcame a four-point deficit with 30 seconds left to earn a 80-79 win Monday Night in American Southwest Conference play.
A Bryton Flint free throw gave Ozarks (2-3, 0-2 ASC) a 79-75 lead with just 30 seconds left, but high-scoring guard Brandon Irwin drilled a three-pointer on Howard Payne’s next possession to bring the contest to a one-point game. With 24 seconds remaining, Ozarks missed a free throw to give the ball back to the Jackets (3-2, 1-1 ASC). Howard Payne then missed an inside shot with 13 seconds left, but it was put back in by Michael Thompson to give the Jackets the lead for good. Thompson missed his free throw to give Ozarks one last chance, however, the Eagles went to the line and missed the front end of a one-and-one with three ticks left.
Jermery Victor hit a shot at the 7:24 mark of the second half to give Ozarks a 69-60 lead. Howard Payne narrowed the gap to 73-72 before Victor hit a three-pointer and Flint made a jumper for a six-point advantage with 1:18 left.
Victor was one of four players to reach double figures for the Eagles. He finished with a team-high 18 points. Marcus Bobb followed with 17 points, and Flint and David Robertson scored 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Ozarks will host McMurry University December 1 and Hardin-Simmons University December 3.
Topics: Athletics