Box Score WEST CHESTER, Pa. – Lance McDowell scored 17 points and added nine rebounds, but it was not enough to outlast visiting Clarion as host West Chester dropped an 80-77 decision to the Golden Eagles in overtime inside Hollinger Field House Saturday.
Trailing 76-73 with just over one minute to go in overtime, junior transfer Jon Breeden (13 points) knocked down a pair of free throws and then finished off a conventional three-point play to give the Golden Rams a 77-76 lead with 37 seconds remaining.
However, Clarion’s Paul McQueen nailed a pair of free throws to put the Golden Eagles back in front. When Quintus “Bud” Teer stole the ball on the ensuing Rams possession, McQueen went back to the foul line with four seconds remaining and the senior nailed both shots once again to put Clarion up, 80-77.
Still, West Chester clung to a small inkling of hope when Clarion’s Winfield Willis missed a pair of foul shots with two seconds left and Khalif Foster grabbed the rebound. The Rams called timeout and tried to push the ball up the floor to get off a desperation shot. However, Breeden stepped on the sideline as the horn sounded.
West Chester (4-3, 1-2 PSAC) committed five turnovers in the extra session while Clarion (4-3, 2-1) went 3-for-6 from the field to close out the win.
Clarion led by as many as 10 in the first 30 seconds of the second half. But, West Chester clawed its way back into the contest, eventually tying the game at 47-all with 13:56 to play. The free throw from Foster capped a 16-6 run by the Golden Rams and was part of a 24-8 spurt that saw the hosts take a 55-48 advantage with 11:51 remaining.
A 3-pointer by Clarion’s Leonard Patterson tied the game at 68-apiece with 1:48 left in regulation. Calvin Edwards (18 points) then hit a pair of free throws with 1:04 left to put the visitors on top, 70-68. A tip-in from McDowell with 42 ticks left knotted things at 70 and that is how it would end after 40 minutes of play.
West Chester placed five players in double figures for the game. In addition to McDowell’s 17 and Breeden’s 13, Carl Johnson and Corey Blake each contributed 12 points while Jaleel Mack had 10. Blake added seven rebounds to hi s afternoon’s totals.
West Chester welcomes Gannon to Hollinger Field House on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. in another PSAC contests. The 2011 NCAA Division II Championship Field Hockey team will be honored at halftime of the men’s basketball game.
