14:57
basketball, USA‐WomensNationalInvitationTournament
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa – The Drake University men's basketball team limited UNI to just five points over the last 8:37 of the game to erase an 11-point second half deficit inside a packed McLeod Center and defeat its rival, 82-74 in overtime. Roman Penn's driving layup with seven seconds remaining in regulation sent the contest to overtime. "Our whole focus wasn't about X's and O's but about getting gritty," head coach Darian DeVries said. "We continued to make plays and got great stops down the stretch. You have to make things go your way. We fought and played like we love to play. We got after it defensively and shared the ball." Five minutes into the game, a fast break layup by Garrett Sturtz put the Bulldogs ahead 7-4. UNI (9-9, 5-3 in Missouri Valley Conference) responded with an 11-2 run capped off by a jumper from Bowen Born with 11:52 left in the first half. Drake (14-6, 5-2) moved back in front with 5:23 to go in the half when Tucker DeVries buried a wing trey for a 26-24 edge. Both teams traded points until the Panthers gained separation and took a 41-34 lead right before halftime off of an AJ Green triple. UNI built an 11-point advantage (55-44) with 10:58 remaining in the second half. The Bulldogs kept scrapping, but Trae Berhow connected on a 3-pointer to put the home team back up by double digits (69-59) with only 3:37 to play in regulation. The Drake defense buckled up trailing 69-61 with only 3:19 left as D.J. Wilkins scored five points down the stretch including a coast-to-coast layup with 53 seconds left to bring the Bulldogs within a basket, 70-68. A steal by Sturtz set the stage for Roman Penn's game-tying layup on a strong take to the basket with seven seconds still ticking. A desperation 3-pointer by AJ Green was off the mark as extra time was needed "Roman Penn's will to win is unbelievable," DeVries said. "He's continuing to give us all he can." Once in overtime, the Drake defense continued to overpower UNI as it limited UNI to just 1-of-11 shooting from the field. The Bulldogs were held to just one basket in overtime, but finished 10-for-10 at the charity line in the extra period. Green led all scorers with 27 points and nine rebounds. Tywhon Pickford was the next highest scoring Panther with eight points along with Nate Heise. TEAM NOTES •Drake improved to 14-6 overall including a 5-2 Missouri Valley Conference record entering a Wednesday road game at Illinois State. •Drake, winning its third straight MVC road game, is 4-1 in road games this season. •Trailing 69-59 in regulation with 3:37 left, Drake outscored UNI, 23-5, in the final 8:37 including overtime. •Roman Penn's layup with seven seconds left, following a Garrett Sturtz steal, tied the game at 70-70 in regulation sending the game into overtime. •This marked the third time this season where Drake had five or more players score in double figures. The previous games were against Omaha (five) and Clemson (six). •Drake improved its record to 2-1 in overtime games this season, while winning its second consecutive overtime contest. •Darian DeVries improved his record at Drake to 6-2 in overtime games. •Drake collected a season-high six blocked shots, including three in overtime. •Drake's 31 free throw attempts were a season high and the 22 made free throws were the second most by Drake in a game this season. •Drake improved to 37-1 during the Darian DeVries coaching era when scoring 80 or more points, including 7-1 this season. •Drake outrebounded UNI, 42-34, improving to 11-1 when outrebounding opponents this season. •Drake improved to 4-5 this season when trailing at half, after rallying from a 41-34 halftime deficit. •Darian DeVries earned his 84th career victory at Drake, including his 40th MVC victory. He moved his record against his alma mater (UNI) to 5-4. INDIVIDUAL NOTES •Senior guard Roman Penn led Drake with a season-high 18 points, including a layup with seven seconds left in regulation to send the game into overtime •Senior swingman Garrett Stutrz collected 16 points and 10 rebounds to enjoy his third double-double of the season and sixth of his career. It also marked his second consecutive double-double at UNI. •Senior guard D.J. Wilkins added 16 points, making four three-point baskets. It marked the 33rd time in his career (eight this season), making three or more treys in a game. •Freshman Tucker DeVries enjoyed his first career double-double with 11 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. •Senior Tremell Murphy added 11 points apiece, while tying a career high with four blocked shots, including two in overtime. •Murphy came up big in overtime with six points, while collecting two blocked shots in a 16-second span in overtime. THE SERIES •Drake earned its fourth straight victory against UNI, including its second straight at Cedar Falls. •UNI leads the all-time series, 50-31.
2022-03-22
SLxnmQZXd_k
