BELOIT, Wis. - In a nail-biting Midwest Conference matchup at Flood Arena, the Beloit College Buccaneers (6-9, 2-5 MWC) suffered a heartbreaking 105-104 overtime loss to Grinnell College (13-3, 6-1 MWC) on Tuesday night.
The game was tightly contested throughout, featuring 13 lead changes and nine ties. Neither team could build a significant advantage, with the score knotted at 34-34 after the first half before heading to overtime tied at 85-85.
Jabari Scuefield (Hazel Crest, Ill.) led a strong offensive effort with a well-rounded performance, recording 23 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists.
Azeez Ganiyu (Beloit, Wis.) dominated the glass with a monster double-double, posting 21 points and 21 rebounds, including 14 offensive boards.
Anthony Carter (Greenfield, Wis.) added 12 points and six assists, while
Ryan Nixon (Waukesha, Wis.) contributed 17 points off the bench.
The Buccaneers shot an efficient 46.3% from the field (37-80) and controlled the interior, outscoring Grinnell 56-42 in points in the paint. Beloit also held a significant rebounding advantage, pulling down 62 boards compared to Grinnell's 41. The team generated 30 bench points and 19 second-chance points.
Clayton Jenny (Edgerton, Wis.) orchestrated the offense with seven assists while adding seven points, and
Dae'Quan Davis (Chicago, Ill.) chipped in 11 points. The Bucs connected on 5-of-18 (27.8%) attempts from three-point range and shot 55.6% (25-45) from the free-throw line.
However, Grinnell's pressure defense proved to be a decisive factor, forcing 32 Beloit turnovers which the visitors converted into 46 points. The Buccaneers' defense managed to create 19 steals, with Scuefield, Jenny, and Carter each recording multiple takeaways.
In overtime, both teams traded crucial baskets. After Carter gave Beloit a 104-103 lead with a clutch layup, Grinnell's Nick Lundy scored what proved to be the game-winner with just one second remaining, assisted by Gabe Garcia.
The Buccaneers host the Knox College Prairie Fire on Saturday to wrap up the four game homestead. Tip off from Flood Arena is set for 3 pm.
