Driver's three lifts YellowJackets to overtime win

ABILENE, Texas – Cristian Driver drained a 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift the LeTourneau University men's basketball team to a thrilling 72-71 overtime victory over McMurry Thursday night in an American Southwest Conference game at Kimbrell Arena.

 

McMurry broke a 69-all tie with 18 seconds remaining on a pair of free throws by Jeremie Hart. LeTourneau brought the ball over halfcourt and called a timeout to set up the final play. However, Jesse Hayes' pass to JJ Rockmore was knocked out of play with 1.4 seconds left, setting the stage for Driver's late-game heroics.

 

Driver led LeTourneau (6-5 overall, 5-2 ASC) with a team-high 15 points, including knocking down the game-winner. Hayes, who assisted on the final bucket, finished with 14 points and seven assists. Dale Vanwright added 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting before being ejected for a flagrant two early in the second half. JJ Rockmore scored 11 as the YellowJackets were 26-of-57 (46 percent) from the field.

 

LeTourneau started slow, allowing McMurry to grab a 15-10 advantage after a Steven Luckey jumper with 15:57 remaining in the opening half. But the YellowJackets responded and used a 21-7 run, capped by a Cristian Driver 3-pointer to give LeTourneau a 31-22 lead.

 

McMurry (7-4, 5-2) battled back and cut the deficit to 36-29 as the teams headed into the break.

 

McMurry started the second half fast and used a 13-4 run, capped by a Luckey 3-pointer with 16:31 left in the second half. McMurry kept the lead for most of the second half, but LeTourneau rallied to tie the game at 61 with 1:29 remaining on a pair of Bo Ostarticki free throws.

 

Hart finished with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Jamal Anene had 15 points, while Luckey chipped in with 13 as McMurry was 29-of-68 shooting for 43 percent.

 

The YellowJackets finish their three-game road swing 1:00 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 9 at Hardin-Simmons in an American Southwest Conference contest.