Clarksville, Ark.-UT-Tyler's Michael Johnson made a shot as the buzzer sounded to complete an improbable Patriot comeback and earn a 61-59 win over the Eagles Saturday in American Southwest Conference play.
Ozarks (7-10, 5-7 ASC) held a 59-52 lead with 1:41 remaining in the game, but the Patriots (10-7, 6-6 ASC) made baskets on their next four trips down the court. UT-Tyler hit a jumper at the 1:37 mark and then drilled a three-pointer after Ozarks missed a pair of free throws. The Eagles were then forced to try a long-range three-pointer with 18 seconds left. The Patriots took the rebound and a timeout was called with nine ticks remaining. Travan Porchia then drove to the basket for a layup to tie the game at 59-59. With 2.4 seconds left, the game appeared to be headed to overtime, but the Eagles threw a long pass that sailed out of bounds. The Patriots then ran an inbounds play under their own basket to Johnson, who calmly sank a 5-foot jumper for the game-winner. UT-Tyler outscored Ozarks 14-2 in the final three minutes of play.
Ozarks held a slight 28-24 halftime lead as neither team could take control of the game. The Eagles went up 42-32 at the 13:13 mark of the second half on Mark Perez’s jumper. Ozarks took another 10-point lead with 3:05 left in the game only to see UT-Tyler storm back for the win.
Blake Mitchem led Ozarks with 13 points and 8 rebounds. Colby Woolverton added 12 points.
Ozarks will host Mississippi College January 28.
Topics: Athletics