James Johnson scored the go-ahead basket with 3.0 seconds remaining in double overtime and that was enough to send the Wittenberg Tigers to a wild 89-88 victory over the Denison Big Red from Livingston Gymnasium.

The Tigers led most of the way, but Denison closed the gap in the waning minutes of regulation.  With the score tied at 71-72 with 31 seconds to play, Wittenberg had possession and ran the clock down to set up Johnson for a 3-pointer off an assist from Ridge Young.  The officials put 2.6 seconds back on the clock and the Big Red threaded two quick passes to Conor Fenton who buried a 3-pointer from 26-feet at the top of the arc to send the game into overtime.

At the end of the first OT roles were reversed. This time it was Denison leading by three and needing a stop on the final possession.  It didn't happen.  Jordan Welch knocked down an off-balance 3-pointer at the horn to force a second overtime.

Fenton opened the second OT with a 3-pointer, but the Tigers went back to Johnson who finished with a game-high 36 points.  Another basket by Fenton with 1:05 remaining put Denison on top 88-85.  Wittenberg's Young was fouled on their next possession and he made both free throws to make it a one-point game.  DU went to Will Hunter whose jumper was just off the mark. The Tigers got out in transition and connected with Johnson who scored to put his team up 89-88 with three seconds left.

The Big Red turned to Fenton once again on the final play and the second got into the lane and drew contact on a made layup but as the buzzer sounded the official's whistle echoed.  Fenton was called for a charge on Johnson as the Tigers escaped Livingston Gym with the win.

Fenton was tremendous, finishing with 26 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and two steals in 45 minutes.  He was 10-of-14 from the field and 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.  Hunter followed with 16 points and eight rebounds. Darren Rubin added 12 points while Freeman Brou chipped in 10 points and five rebounds while being saddled with foul trouble.

Johnson finished with 36 points on 12-of-25 shooting for the Tigers. He also led the team in rebounds with nine.  He was helped by Welch who finished with 17 points and was 5-of-10 from 3-point range.

Denison will close out its 2021 season on Saturday when they travel to Springfield, Ohio for a 1 p.m. tip-off at Pam Evans Smith Arena.

 

@DenisonHoops fell to @WittAthletics 89-88 in Double OT but what a shot by @conorfenton7 at the end of regulation to force OT. Great to have some students back in the gym for this instant classic. @d3hoops pic.twitter.com/4RoG1OrokU

— denisonsports (@DenisonSports) March 5, 2021