Clutch free throw shooting and three late steals by the Bulldogs helped the men’s basketball team defeat the Columbus Riverdragons of the National Basketball Developmental League 84-77 in overtime Saturday night.
The win concluded the Bulldogs preseason with the second exhibition victory of the year. MSU defeated the Sioux Falls Skyforce of the Continental Basketball Association 107-92 Nov. 15.
In a close game with 10 lead changes, MSU struggled on the offensive end. The Bulldogs missed 50 out of 78 field goals, just 36 percent. A 23 for 31 performance from the charity stripe and a 51-46 edge in rebounding margin helped push the Bulldogs to victory.
“The biggest thing was when the game was on the line, our kids responded,” MSU head coach Rick Stansbury said. “Our team was tested, even when they had a three- or four-point lead our team responded and we dug down defensively.”
The game was tied 74-74 when senior guard Timmy Bowers missed a jump shot at the end of regulation. After struggling in the second half, MSU dominated in the overtime period.
Marcus Campbell hit a basket 14 seconds into the five minute period giving MSU the lead 76-74. Columbus then struck back with a three pointer by Ezra Williams.
MSU took control with key steals by Shane Power and Winsome Frazier. Branden Vincent hit two free throws to give the Bulldogs the lead at 78-77. MSU would then hit four more free throws along with another Marcus Campbell basket to seal the win. The Bulldogs forced six turnovers in overtime.
Bowers led MSU in scoring with 20 points and five assists. Frazier struggled making just four of 15 from the field but hit a pair of three pointers and grabbed four steals.
Pre-season Wooden Award candidate Lawrence Roberts led the Bulldogs with nine rebounds and contributed 17 points. Campbell added 18 points on eight of 16 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds.
“This was a good win for us, we played great on the defensive end and we had some guys step up,” Bowers said. “We were tested by a good team. Right now, we are trying to learn how to play together to become a better team.”
The Bulldogs had their biggest lead of 27-18 of the game in the first half after Lawrence Roberts hit two free throws. The Riverdragons made a run late in the first half to pull within 35-31 at the break.
MSU got off to a 9-0 run to open the second half behind the shooting of Timmy Bowers. Columbus responded with a fast break basket by Erron Maxey and a lay up by Tai Crutchfield. Maxey and Crutchfield would add a pair of free throws each to give the Riverdragons a 63-62 lead. The teams would tie twice more before the end of regulation.
The crowd of 4,101 was treated with the homecoming of former MSU standouts Jeff Malone and Derrick Zimmerman. Jeff Malone coached the Riverdragons and Zimmerman played 16 minutes at point guard. He scored five points and made three assists.
“It was great to be back in Humphrey Coliseum,” Malone said. “It meant a lot to me to see some old friends. I am sure Derrick felt the same way.”
MSU opens regular-season play next Saturday, Nov. 22, with a 7 p.m. home game against Tennessee-Martin of the Ohio Valley Conference.