ELLENSBURG, Wash. (Jan. 10) – The Central Washington University (8-5, 2-3) men's basketball team outlasted Simon Fraser University (7-6, 1-4) 85-84 in overtime Thursday evening at home.
 
The Crimson and Black fought back into the game facing a six-point deficit with just under ten minutes remaining in the game. Central tied the game at 69 with 3:30 remaining in the second period after freshmen forward Matt Poquette converted an and-one opportunity.
 
Senior guard Jackson Price had a chance at the buzzer to defeat the visitors in regulation, but missed the step-back jumper to force an extra period.
 
The visitors converted one of two at the line to take a one-point lead before junior guard Gamaun Boykin snatched the lead back for the home team seconds later with a floater in the key. This was the Wildcat's first lead since 11-9 in the opening minutes of play.
 
Junior guard Jeryn Lucas started the overtime nailing a big shot from deep before SFU countered with a three of their own. Lucas dazzled the crowd once more in overtime with a vicious one-handed dunk driving down the lane. Even after the jam, the Crimson and Black still found themselves down by one.
 
The Wildcats' defense clamped down on the ensuing possession and forced a jump ball. The home team was awarded possession with just 54 seconds left in the extra period. Freshman forward Zellie Hudson converted a floater in the lane to put the Wildcats back on top by one.
 
"A lot of the confidence comes from my teammates," Hudson said. "They keep pushing me. I don't want to let any breakdowns come through, so I make sure that I fight for them. Without them, there's nothing. It's a whole team effort."
 
The visitors collected an offensive rebound followed by a put-back to return the lead to the SFU before Hudson converted two clutch free throws to regain the lead for the Wildcats. The Wildcats defense applied a full court press with just six seconds remaining for the Clan. The visitors game winning attempt clanked off the front iron and the crimson and black held on for a narrow victory.
 
"I was hoping we wouldn't have another overtime game, but we'll take it, especially the way it ended," CWU Head Coach Brandon Rinta said. "I thought our guys showed a lot of heart and resilience there. We were down a lot, if not most of the game and found our way to claw back into it.
 
The home team started slowly, shooting just 1-4 in the opening few minutes of the contest while allowing the Clan to nail their first four shots, including one from deep. After yielding a 7-0 run, the Wildcats countered with an 8-0 run of their won fueled by three SFU turnovers leading to three fast break baskets in a row.
 
The visitors returned the favor with a 10-0 run of their own, forcing four Wildcat turnovers and steady scoring from freshman guard Wilfried Balata and sophomore center Julian Roche, each with 8 points.
 
Central shot a paltry 14 percent from beyond the arc in the first 12 minutes of the contest, but were able to increase their shooting to 43 percent before the half. However, the home team still faced a three-point deficit going into the half even after closing the period on a 5-0 run.
 
The teams started the second half trading baskets with neither pulling away. The home team improved their shooting to 50 percent but still found themselves down 57-51 with 11:29 remaining. Central continued to chisel away at the SFU lead behind seven points and three assists from senior guard Malik Montoya as well as a 20-point explosion from the bench. Montoya finished the game with 13 points.
 
The Crimson and Black had six double figure scorers for the game, led by 15 points from Boykin, who also added three assists. Central had 19 total assists for the evening, led by Montoya and Jackson with six each.  
 
The Wildcats return to action Saturday, Jan. 12 to take on rival Western Washington university at home. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.