Men's Basketball Uses OT to Seal Road Win

SHERMAN, TX -- A hot-shooting performance in the second half from the Austin College 'Roos forced overtime as the two teams battled back and forth. Xavier Phillips (Austin/Dripping Springs) would score five of the Bulldogs eight overtime points - including a pair of clutch free throws - to secure the 83-79 victory for Texas Lutheran at Hughey Gymnasium on the campus of Austin College.

Phillips registered his first collegiate double-double with 25 points - four off of his career-high - and a career-high 10 rebounds to go along with 4 steals. Phillips shot an efficient 9-of-14 for the game - making two of his three three-point attempts. Senior Jamir Mason (Pearland/St. Thomas Episcopal) was instrumental in Texas Lutheran not falling out of contention in the second half despite Austin College shooting 65% for the half - scoring 11 of his 20 points in the second half and overtime.

After carrying a four-point lead into the break, the Bulldogs would relinquish their lead half way through the second half as Austin College would take a lead that could turn into a dog fight as the two teams exchanged one to three point leads for the remainder of the half. The Bulldogs would carry a 75-73 lead with 37 seconds remaining before an Austin College layup with 8 seconds remaining would force overtime. The Bulldogs would be led by Phillips' five points in overtime as they would outscore the 'Roos 8-4 in the bonus period to seal the win.

Texas Lutheran succeeded at the line and defensively forcing 18 Austin College turnovers and shooting 77.3% from the free throw line compared to the 'Roos 52.4%. Texas Lutheran would take advantage of their bonus possessions scoring 26 points off of turnovers and 14 fastbreak points.

Texas Lutheran improves to 6-11, (4-5 SCAC) on the season. They will have a short turnaround as they head to Houston to face the St. Thomas Celts on Friday. Tip-off is currently set for 5:30 PM. All streaming and stat links can be found on tlubulldogs.com.