Stephen F. Austin
Rice
'Jacks Win In Overtime, 90-86
11/27/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 27, 2001
The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks evened their season record at 2-2 Tuesday night with an overtime win over the Rice Owls, 90-86. SFA never trailed in the game until the opening minute of the overtime period, then Ransom White hit a basket to regain the lead for SFA, and the 'Jacks never looked back.
SFA jumped out to an early 10-point lead at 16-6 behind the hot shooting of guards Ben Hunt and Skip Jackson. Both Hunt and Jackson connected on their first four three point attempts to stake the 'Jacks to the early lead. The 'Jacks increased that lead to as many as 15-points midway though the period before the Owls trimmed the lead back to only seven at the half, 44-37.
Both teams were hot from the floor in the first half with the Lumberjacks connecting on 18 of 31 first half shots (.581), while Rice shot an even 50 percent from the field (16-32). The 'Jacks also connected on six of 12 first half three point attempts, including three by Ben Hunt.
The Owls came out in the second half and chipped away at the SFA lead but could never take the lead, managing to send the game to overtime with three free throws by Brock Gillespie with two second remaining. Rice took its only lead of the night in the overtime period when Shawn Tyndell connected on a 15-foot jumper on the Owls' first possession to give them an 80-78 lead. The 'Jacks came right back with a layup from Ransom White to retake the lead, and go on to the win.
Percy Green led SFA with 24 points on the night, while Ben hunt added 21. Green also added a game high five assists. Ransom White also picked up his first double-double of the season with a 14-point 10-rebound effort in the win. Jason McKreith led the Owls with 24 points, as he was the only Owl in double figures in the game. The 'Jacks ended the night shooting just under 56 percent from the field, connecting on 33 of 59 shots (.559), while the Owls cooled in the second half to shoot only .464 for the game (32-69).
The Lumberjacks return to the court Saturday afternoon as they host Southwest Texas in the Southland Conference opener for both schools, Tip is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
