Balanced Eagle Attack Falters in Overtime At Messiah
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. – The Juniata men's basketball team lost a heartbreaker in overtime, 78-75, Saturday afternoon inside Messiah University's Hitchcock Arena.
Jayden Bilger led the way with 15 points, five rebounds, three blocks, a steal and an assist. Ty Kocak totaled 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal while Jaiden Aze added 13 points, 10 rebounds and three steals. William Littles Jr. added 11 points, a rebound and an assist.
A tightly contested first half, the teams traded buckets throughout, with a Bilger three off a Tre Yawn assist making it 24-21 with four and half minutes to go in the half. The Falcons answered with a three of their own, before a Marek Hoyt jumper was followed by an Aze steal and dunk at the other end to put JC up four. A Kocak and-one were the final points of the half as Juniata led by five, 31-26, at the break.
The second half saw the Falcons retake the lead 12 minutes in, 45-44, on a layup.
The Eagles managed to retake the lead, and down the stretch, Yawn setup Aze for a jumper that made it 68-63 with 45 seconds to go. Messiah drew a foul, and made both free throws to make it 68-65, and Yawn split a pair at the other end to put JC back up four.
Messiah converted two jumpers, including the game-tying one in the final 13 seconds to send the game to overtime.
A Littles three, combined with foul shots from Yawn and Aze put the Eagles up five. Messiah used a layup, one foul shot, and a jumper to tie things at 74 with two to go. Messiah made two foul shots to take a lead, and after a few misses, Juniata had to foul. The Falcons made one foul shot to go up three, and Kocak was fouled. He made one of two. Juniata forced a turnover, as Yawn got a steal, and found Littles for a three that missed but Juniata retained possession. Bilger got a look from the right baseline that was just long. The game ended after two Messiah foul shots.
Messiah had a 48-40 advantage on the glass, while Juniata had a 16-7 lead in bench points.
Juniata will travel to take on Wilkes, Wednesday at 4:00.