LA CROSSE, WI – The Bay College Norse Men's Basketball Team (2-2) came out on top of a back-and-forth battle with the Western Technical College Cavaliers (0-1) on Saturday afternoon. The two teams would have to go to overtime to get a decision, but the Norse stole the victory on the road by a final score of 79-72.
There were six ties and 11 lead changes in the first half as neither team would be able to take control. Western Tech shot it well early on, hitting on 42.% from the field, but only connected on three of 11 from three-point. Bay College was just 13 of 41 from the floor in the first half (31.7%), but knocked down six of 17 from behind the arc. The Cavaliers got a three-point basket in their last possession of the first half, giving them a 33-32 lead going into intermission.
The home team started the second half cold, going just over seven minutes without scoring. Bay College took advantage, going on a 13-0 run and claiming a 45-33 lead. A technical foul got Western Tech started, hitting the free throw and then scoring at the rim in the ensuing possession. They closed the gap quickly and would take the lead. It looked as though the Cavaliers were going to put the game away as they went up by seven with just under two minutes left to play. Bay College turned the tide, creating multiple turnovers down the stretch, tying the game late. Bay had a chance with time winding down to win in regulation, but turned the ball over with just over four seconds remaining. The Cavaliers missed on their opportunity, sending the game into overtime.
The Norse were strong in overtime, hitting four of seven from the field and building a double-digit lead. The Cavaliers converted just two of their overtime attempts from the field.
"I was really happy with the way that we responded tonight, especially after the way that last night in Rochester went.," said Head Coach Matt Johnson. "I was happy to see the kids fight, weather the storm when Western made their run, and the fact that we had some guys step up down the stretch and figure some things out. I was proud of the effort and how hard we worked, but we definitely still have some room to improve on the discipline and execution. It was a good win and I am proud of the guys."
Ryan Robinette (SO, Escanaba, MI) led all scorers. He ended the evening with 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Chris Dobessi (FR, Detroit, MI) tallied a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing ten rebounds, while collecting four steals. Christian Alexander (SO, Dorset, UK) also earned credit for a double-double, ending his day with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Matt Wagner (FR, Marinette, WI) added 12 points and five assists.
Jarrell Tarr (SO, Springfield, IL) scored 16 points, including hitting two of four from three-point, dished out 11 assists, and grabbed six rebounds. Austin Malkowski (FR, Muskego, WI) knocked down four of six from behind the arc off the bench on his way to 13 points for the evening. Hunter Davis (FR, Prairie Du Chien, WI) added ten points and six rebounds.
Bay College returns home next weekend and plays host to Lake Superior State's JV team. That game is scheduled for a 3 pm tip on Sunday, November 17.