DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University men's basketball fell short in double overtime thanks to Randolph College's go-ahead shot with 0.7 seconds left as the WildCats escaped with the win in a thriller Saturday evening in the Grant Center.
Tied 95-95 in the second overtime, Averett (8-15, 3-11 ODAC) had the ball with under 30 seconds to play and a chance to go ahead. However, the Cougars couldn't convert and Randolph (8-14, 3-11 ODAC) got the opportunity to hold for the final possession. Rayvon Graham's long step-back jumper near the top of the key proved to be the difference, all but sinking the Cougars. Averett got off a heave at the buzzer but it was errant as the WildCats celebrated after spoiling Averett's Senior Day and home finale.
The game seemed far from being destined for overtime early on as Randolph controlled the lead in the first period. The Wildcats' advantage grew to as many as 12 points before settling for a 36-28 lead entering halftime.
Averett, fueled by a game-high 36 points from sophomore
Jamison Graves, battled from behind and swung the momentum in the Cougars' favor. Averett took its first lead of the second half on a turnaround jumper by sophomore Terrell Fitgerald in the paint as the Cougars inched in front 52-51. Although Randolph weathered the storm momentarily, Fitzgerald's backdoor dunk on a pass from graduate student
Jason Sellars II put Averett ahead 59-57 to help the Cougars eventually go up by 10 with 3:09 to play in regulation.
Randolph took advantage of several key plays that opened the door for the WildCats to get back in the game late. Randolph tied it, 77-77 late and Averett didn't convert late as the teams went to overtime. Randolph jumped in front by five with 1:24 left in the first overtime, but Graves hit two free throws with 1:08 left, then hit a driving layup to get the Cougars within 85-84 with 39 seconds to play in overtime. The Wildcats got a layup to extend their lead back to three, but Graves was fouled on a 3-pointer, sending him to the line with 2.1 seconds remaining. Graves calmly sunk all three free throws to tie the game, 87-87, and force a second overtime.
Both teams lead in the second overtime, and Graves gave the Cougars a 95-93 advantage with his layup with 1:30 to go. Graham hit a pull-up jumper at the other end to tie it with 1:08 remaining. Averett missed several shots with under a minute and eventually gave Randolph the possession after a missed layup to set up the game-winning shot.
Graves' 36 points tied his career high set earlier this season in a win over nationally ranked Christopher Newport University. Freshman
Jackson Sellars added 20 points,
Jason Sellars II had a double-double with 13 points while matching his career-high of 15 rebounds. Fitzgerald added nine points off the bench.
Jason Sellars II also hit a milestone with his success on the glass. He eclipsed the 700-rebound mark with his efforts Saturday and moved into third all-time on Averett's career rebounds list. With 701 rebounds, he surpassed Paul Porter (2010-14), who had 697 rebounds.
Prior to the game, Averett honored seniors
Clay Hodges and
Bryce Shaw.
Averett finishes the season on the road, beginning Wednesday at Washington and Lee University.
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