Wallace State Men Rally Past Gordon State 95-86 in Overtime Thriller

HANCEVILLE — Wallace State men's basketball snapped a four-game skid in dramatic fashion Tuesday night, rallying past visiting Gordon State (Ga.) for a thrilling 95-86 overtime victory at Traditions Bank Arena.

The game was tight throughout much of the opening half before Gordon State went on a 13-2 run to take a 32-22 lead with 2:47 remaining in the period. The Lions answered with a strong push of their own, closing the half on an 11-2 run to trim the deficit to just one point, 34-33, at the break.

Both teams traded baskets early in the second half, but the Highlanders began to pull away midway through the period. With 4:11 left in regulation, Wallace State trailed 72-62 and appeared to be in trouble. Once again, the Lions refused to fold, erupting for a 12-2 run to force overtime. Zay Madden capped the comeback with a clutch putback in the final seconds to tie the game at 74-74.

Momentum carried into overtime, where it was all Wallace State. The Lions outscored Gordon State 21-12 in the extra period to secure the nine-point victory and improve to 5-4 on the season.

Madden led the way with a double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out late in overtime. Kylen Clark poured in a season-high 21 points to go along with six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Trey Knight added 11 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals, while Tyson Barrett recorded a double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds.

Wallace State returns to the hardwood on Friday when the Lions welcome East Mississippi for a 6 p.m. tip at Traditions Bank Arena.