Golden Eagles Rally for OT Victory at IPFW, 71-68

Kyron Stokes (Mansfield, Texas) tipped in a miss with 42 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime andDominique Morrison (Kansas City, Mo.) nailed a pair of free throws with 11 seconds left in OT to seal the game, capping a miraculous rally and ORU’s fourth straight win.

Trailing 45-30 with 13:58 to play in the second half, the Golden Eagles (14-10 overall, 9-3 Summit) slowly chipped away at the deficit. A 10-run put ORU within 45-40 with 11:20 left, a layup by Niles capping the run.

After two Morrison free throws made it 60-56 with 1:22 left, Michael Craion (Kansas City, Mo.) stole the inbounds pass and fed Niles, who was fouled going to the basket. Niles made one free throw for a 60-57 game. 

Ken Holdman (Tulsa, Okla.) stole the inbounds pass and scored following Niles’ free throw, pulling ORU within 60-59 1:06 left. After a free throw by the Mastodons on the other end Stokes tipped in a Craion miss, tying the game at 61-61.

In overtime IPFW tied the game at 67-67 with a pair of free throws by Zach Plackemeier with 1:05 left. Stokes gave ORU a 69-67 lead on a layup with 37 seconds left and, after one free throw by the Mastodons, Morrison made his game-clinching baskets.

The Golden Eagles shot 43.8 percent from the field (28-64) and 72.2 percent from the free throw line (13-18). IPFW shot 44.4 percent from the field (24-54) and went 14-22 from the free throw line.

Niles finished 9-of-21 from the field, including 2-of-6 from three-point range. He added five rebounds, three steals and two assists. Morrison scored 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field and a 5-of-6 effort at the free throw line.

Deilvez Yearby led IPFW with 20 points and 11 rebounds. 

The Golden Eagles return to the court when they visit Summit League front runner Oakland, 5 p.m., Saturday in Rochester, Mich.