CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Drake University men’s basketball team limited UNI to just five points over the last 8:37 of the game to erase an 11-point second half deficit inside a packed McLeod Center and defeat its rival, 82-74 in overtime. Roman Penn’s driving layup with seven seconds remaining in regulation sent the contest to overtime.
“Our whole focus wasn’t about X’s and O’s but about getting gritty,” head coach Darian DeVries said. “We continued to make plays and got great stops down the stretch. You have to make things go your way. We fought and played like we love to play. We got after it defensively and shared the ball.”
Five minutes into the game, a fast break layup by Garrett Sturtz put the Bulldogs ahead 7-4. UNI (9-9, 5-3 in Missouri Valley Conference) responded with an 11-2 run capped off by a jumper from Bowen Born with 11:52 left in the first half.
Drake (14-6, 5-2) moved back in front with 5:23 to go in the half when Tucker DeVries buried a wing trey for a 26-24 edge. Both teams traded points until the Panthers gained separation and took a 41-34 lead right before halftime off of an AJ Green triple.
UNI built an 11-point advantage (55-44) with 10:58 remaining in the second half. The Bulldogs kept scrapping, but Trae Berhow connected on a 3-pointer to put the home team back up by double digits (69-59) with only 3:37 to play in regulation.
The Drake defense buckled up trailing 69-61 with only 3:19 left as D.J. Wilkins scored five points down the stretch including a coast-to-coast layup with 53 seconds left to bring the Bulldogs within a basket, 70-68.
A steal by Sturtz set the stage for Roman Penn’s game-tying layup on a strong take to the basket with seven seconds still ticking. A desperation 3-pointer by AJ Green was off the mark as extra time was needed
“Roman Penn’s will to win is unbelievable,” DeVries said. “He’s continuing to give us all he can.”
Once in overtime, the Drake defense continued to overpower UNI as it limited UNI to just 1-of-11 shooting from the field. The Bulldogs were held to just one basket in overtime, but finished 10-for-10 at the charity line in the extra period.
Green led all scorers with 27 points and nine rebounds. Tywhon Pickford was the next highest scoring Panther with eight points along with Nate Heise.
