It was a race from the beginning, with both teams fighting for a point. With seconds left in the first half a foul by South Plains put the Texans down by 12 going into the break.
Texans cold spell in the first half seemed to dwindle away during the second closing in the gap New Mexico created with less than 10 minutes remaining.
New Mexico maintained the lead over South Plains up until three minutes to go. As the time began to run out the Texans scored eight straight points after a two-point play by Brandon Neel.
Knocking in a three, Andre Spight, closed the gap to a one-point lead by New Mexico with two minutes remaining. The Thunderbirds put in a few more shots but the Texans were right behind, and with .47 seconds left in the game, Pat Birt sinks a three point shot to tie the game.
Texans had control of the ball with less than seconds remaining but did not make the shot, sending the team into overtime.
South Plains took the lead at the beginning of overtime, but the teams played point for point fighting for the win. With three seconds remaining Emmanuel Omogbo steps up to the free-throw line and puts in one resulting in a 2 point lead by the Texans.
Thunderbirds' coach calls a time out quickly with less than a second remaining. Somehow New Mexico got the ball into Malique Trent, for the Thunderbirds and he throws up a long lob for three points, making the shot and ending the game 76-75 New Mexico.
Spight led the team with 19 points, close behind with 17 points was Birt, and Omogbo put in 10 points for the Texans.
Continuing play on Feb. 12, the Texans will be taking on Clarendon College Bulldogs at The Texan Dome. This game is Breast Cancer Awareness, sponsored by Covenant Hospital. The game will begin at the conclusion of the Lady Texans game, around 7:30p.m.
|