Men's Basketball Tops Newberry 97-95 in OT

NEWBERRY, S.C. -- Javeon Jones hit a pair of free throws with three seconds left in overtime to lift Catawba to a 97-95 victory over host Newberry on Saturday afternoon at Eleazer Arena. The win improves the Catawba Indians to 6-3 overall and 2-0 in the SAC. The Wolves fall to 7-3 and 1-1.

Newberry had rallied in the second half after being down by as many as 17 early in the half. Catawba led by eight entering the final five minutes, but the Wolves scored nine straight and went on top 83-82 on a three-pointer by Andrew Robinson with 1:32 left.

After a basket by Jones, Quandaveon McCollum converted a three-point play with 26 seconds to go to give the Wolves an 86-84 edge. Jones tied the game on a pair of free throws with 24 seconds remaining and Newberry missed a three-pointer in the final seconds which led to the extra time.

Jones and Adrian Scarborough had layups to start overtime for Catawba. The Indians would stay in fron until Newberry tied the game at 95-all on a layup by Devario Sheppard with 25 seconds left. Jones would draw a foul in the final second and made his free throws for the final margin. Newberry could not get off a final shot.

Six players reached double figures for Catawba, led by Jones' 22 on 8-of-11 shooting. He added five rebounds and five assists. Peyton Gerald followed with 15 and Scarborough totaled 14. Dre Nelson added a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds with Kris Robinson rounding out the starting five with 11 points. Ray Kowalski picked up 11 points off the bench.

The Indians shot 56% in the win and hit on 10-of-22 from three-point range. Newberry hit on just 44%, but stayed in the game by out-rebounding Catawba 42-26. McCollum came off the bench to lead the Wolves with 21 points.

Catawba is at home on Wednesday, hosting Coker at 7:30 p.m. following the women's game.