KUTZTOWN, Pa. -- In a game that involved eight lead changes and four turnovers in the final nine seconds of regulation, the Kutztown University men's basketball team (0-3, 0-0 PSAC) dropped a crazy overtime affair to Jefferson (2-1, 0-0 CACC) 91-88 at Keystone Arena Wednesday evening.
Wesley Butler (Reading, Pa./Reading) led the Golden Bears offensively with one of the best performances of his career. The senior guard from Reading, Pa. scored 31 points, the second most in his college career, while notching six rebounds and three assists. Brendan Boyle (Allentown, Pa./Notre Dame) scored 17 points while recording a team-high five assists. Robert Tucker (Philadelphia, Pa./Paul Robeson) was efficient in the paint for KU, nearly recording a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds.
Jefferson started the game by jumping out to an 8-2 lead, but KU responded, going on an 11-0 run from the 17:53 mark of the first half until the 13:27 mark to take a 13-8 lead. Both teams found offense differently in the first half of the game. KU shot 54% from the floor, while the Rams only shot 37%. Jefferson found its points through the three ball, making seven on 19 attempts compared to KU's two makes on seven shots. The Golden Bears held a slim 33-32 lead heading into the half.
The second half was a dead-even match, with both teams finding their offensive grove, scoring a combined 89 points. Jefferson's depth started to show in the second half as the Rams outscored KU 20-4 in bench points throughout the game.
The chaos began with 15 seconds remaining in regulation. Butler tied the game with two free throws and then Boyle stole the ball on the ensuing inbound play. Boyle gave the ball to Butler and he went up for a shot, but the referee called a travel, giving the ball back to Jefferson. After a Ram's timeout, the ball was stolen again by KU, resulting in a foul, giving KU a one-and-one at the line with less than a second left. The Bears couldn't capitalize and the game went to overtime tied at 77.
The team's traded blows in overtime until the Rams took a five-point lead with a minute left. Despite bringing it to a one-possession game, Jefferson was able to hold on to secure the 91-88 win.
KU will be back in action at Keystone Arena for another non-conference game against Georgian Court. That game will tip off on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 1 p.m.
