It took a little longer than it should have, but Colorado College started the 2008-09 season off on the right foot by hanging on for an 86-85 overtime victory against the University of La Verne on Saturday afternoon at Reid Gymnasium.
The Tigers will play Washington University on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the championship game of the 2008 Colorado College Tip-Off Classic. The Bears defeated North Park University, 86-64, in Saturday's first game.
“We get the defending national champion tomorrow,” head coach
Andy Partee said. “That's the stage we want to be on. We'll experience first hand what it takes to play at that level and be an NCAA Tournament team.”
The Tigers' first victory since Feb. 27, 2007, wasn't secured until Matt Heyd missed the last of three free throws with 0.04 seconds remaining in the game after he was fouled as time expired.
“It's been a long time,” Partee said. “After last year, we'll take a win any way we can get it. I'm happy for our players.”
Jarrell Sweet turned a steal by
Colin Madden into an 86-83 lead with 11 seconds remaining. The clock ran out as Heyd's desperation three-pointer bounced off the rim, but after a conference the officials ruled he was fouled in the act of shooting and put time back on the clock.
The situation was nearly identical to the end of regulation when Billy Nicolini was awarded three free throws when he fell to the ground as his off-balance shot drew iron. He knocked down all three and the Tigers could manage only a shot from half court as the clock ran out.
Adding to the drama was the fact that CC played the final five minutes without a pair of starters after
Nick Rose and
Jeff Smith fouled out in regulation, and then
Brady Ohlsen picked up his fifth foul with 1:05 remaining in overtime.
Ohlsen led the Tigers with 23 points and a game-high eight rebounds.
Lance Jacobs buried three of four three-point attempts and finished with 22 points.
Kyle Luhnow had a game-high 26 points to pace the Leopards, while Nicolini added 18.
La Verne will play North Park at 1 p.m.
