PHILIPPI, W.Va. – Ray Warren's traditional three-point play with 26 seconds left in overtime gave Wesleyan a hard earned 79-76 victory over Alderson-Broaddus on Monday evening.
Kelsey Williams paced the Bobcats with 28 points, while Warren and Noah Cottrill each added 11. Warren also finished with five assists and four steals.
Kurklin Bohannon registered a game-high 32 points, including sinking 7-of-11 shots from beyond the arc but missing a pair in the waning seconds of overtime that would have tied the game. Roy Brown added 15 points and was 3-of-3 from the three point line.
The Bobcats scored 16 points off 17 A-B turnovers in the game, while limiting themselves to just eight turnovers. The Battlers scored 14 second chance points on 15 offensive rebounds.
Alderson-Broaddus jumped out to a 12-6 lead behind a pair of threes from Brown. Wesleyan pulled in front with a 7-0 sprint to take an 18-17 advantage. Chris Dewberry sparked the run with a three point basket. A-B got back in front 23-18, only to see Wesleyan close the half on a 17-4 surge capped by Tanner McGrew's three at the buzzer to take a 35-28 lead into the locker room.
Wesleyan forced 10 Battler turnovers in the first 20 minutes and converted them into 10 points. A-B stayed close by dominating on the glass with a 25-11 advantage, including 8 offensive rebounds which resulted in 10 second chance points.
A-B scored 19 of the first 30 points of the second half to go back on top 47-46. Bohannon ignited the fast start with a pair of threes. A battle ensued from there, as neither team could seize control. Both teams had opportunities to win in the final minute, but turnovers sent the game into the extra session tied at 69-69.
McGrew got the scoring started in overtime with a layup to put Wesleyan ahead 71-69. The teams continued to trade buckets until Warren buried his jumper and the ensuing free throw to put Wesleyan ahead 77-74. Bohannon attempted a three on A-B's next trip, but was unsuccessful and the Battlers settled for a layup, making the score 77-76. Soren Dossing nailed a pair of free throws and Bohannon was once again off the mark, securing the 79-76 upset win for the Bobcats.
Wesleyan will look for its second win in a row on Thursday night when they travel to Shepherd for an 8 p.m. tip.
