The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) men’s basketball team fell 92-90 to Clinton College in a double overtime thriller at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center Saturday morning in the YES USVI HBCU Classic.
The game got away early from UVI (2-6) as the Buccaneers played from behind the entire first half. Their opponents lead by as much 28 points in the period and took a 49-28 lead into halftime.
It was a brand-new game in the second half as the home team mounted a furious come back out scoring Clinton college 44-23 in the second half. By the midway point of the half, the Bucs cut the deficit to 10 points. A William Steger 3-point basket cut the Buccaneers deficit to just three points with 1:44 remaining in regulation. A foul on Jalil Langston’s game tying three-point attempt sent him to the free throw line. Langston hit all three shots to tie the game and send it into overtime.
In the first overtime, the two teams battled as they traded baskets throughout the period. UVI had the upper hand as they lead for most of the period but two late free throws by Clinton tied the game 80-all and sent the game into another overtime period.
In the second overtime, Clinton outscored UVI 12-10 as the Buccaneers’ final shot attempt was missed, sealing the 92-90 victory for the Golden Bears.
Langston scored season-high 31 points, leading all scorers in the contest. In his last outing, Langston erupted for 20 of his 31 points in the second period of the game.
Steger, in just his second game of the season, stepped up and recorded double digit assists with 11 to go along with 12 points, recording his first double-double of the year.
Nasir Watson also recorded his first double-double of the season posting 10 points and 10 rebounds in the game.
For Clinton College, Isaiah Stone led the way with 19 points.
The Buccaneers return to play on January 4when they host Fisk University in a Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) matchup at the Elridge Blake sports and Fitness Center. Action Begins at 8 p.m. AST.
About UVI Athletics
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and, as of July 1, 2023, competes in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Entering the 2023-24 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 17th season of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. For more information on UVI Athletics, visit UVIAthletics.com.