Lance DeWitt hit a buzzer-beater at the free-throw line to send the game into overtime, and from there the Tri-Valley Mustangs had the momentum. The Mustangs defeated the Milbank Bulldogs 66-57 in overtime on Saturday, February 12th.
Neither team was able to get much advantage throughout the game. Milbank had a three-point lead at the end of the first quarter at 15-12. Tri-Valley held the Bulldogs to just seven points in the second quarter while taking a 26-22 lead into halftime. Cory McDonald was on fire in the first half scoring 20 of the 26 Mustangs points.
Tri-Valley was able to keep their lead throughout the third quarter. They took a 37-34 lead into the fourth quarter. The Mustangs led by four points late in the fourth quarter, but Milbank hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to one, 52-21. After a missed shot by Tri-Valley, there was a jump ball on the rebound with possession going to Milbank. On their next possession, they hit another three-pointer from the left win with :11 left to give them a 54-52 lead. DeWitt drove the length of the court and rose up at the free-throw line making the game-tying basket at the buzzer. The Mustangs took that momentum and outscored Milbank 12-3 in overtime for the win.
The Mustangs shot 49% (29-59) from the field, went 1-13 from three-point area, and 7-14 from the free-throw line. Milbank finished the game shooting 31% (17-55) overall, 28% (7-25) from three-point area, and 53% (16-30) from the free-throw line.
McDonald finished with 31 points, nine rebounds, and four rebounds. DeWitt had 13 points, three rebounds, four steals, and two assists. Connor Christensen had nine points, six rebounds, and four blocked shots. Brayden Oyen had five points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Tri-Valley will host McCook Central/Montrose on Tuesday, February 15th.