Tigers Beat Stetson In Overtime

February 19, 2008
DELAND, Fl- Chris Linton hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Savannah State a 63-60 overtime victory over Stetson at the Edmunds Center before 1,657 fans.

With the game tied at 60, Raye Bailey missed a 3-pointer and Stetson's Eris Diaz got the rebound but had the ball stolen by Linton.

The junior from Jacksonville, Florida dribbled down court and heaved a jumper from the top of the key that hit the backboard and found its way into the net.

Linton led the Tigers with 13 points and Anthony Jones added 12. Curtis Brown came off the bench to score 10 points as Savannah State improved to 13-17.

SSU opened the contest with six straight points but the Hatters answered to tie the game with 15:22 left.

The Tigers led 18-13 with 7:52 on the clock but Stetson rallied to go ahead 23-20 with 1:40 left before intermission.

A layup by Jovonni Shuler and two free throws by Rod Mitchell sent SSU into the half with the game tied at 24.

Stetson started the second half with a 8-2 spurt to grab a six point advantage.

The Hatters lead would grow to eight with 10:52 remaining but SSU rallied with a 16-8 run to tie the game at 51 with 5:14 on the clock.

Stetson led 56-55 with 1:06 left but a free throw by Lazarius Coleman tied the game. Stetson attempted a 3-pointer with three seconds left but missed.

In overtime, the Tigers defense held Stetson to just one field goal.

Stetson out-rebounded SSU 37 to 25 and was 21-of-30 from the free throw line. The Tigers made 10 of their 14 free throw attempts.

SSU shot 52 percent from the field in the second period and 45 percent for the game.

The Hatters (13-15) were led by A. J. Smith's 18 points.