Buffs lose heartbreaker in OT

Milligan College, Tenn. (Feb. 5, 2008) --- The Milligan College men's basketball team lost the offensive battle to AAC leader Bluefield College in a high scoring overtime game Tuesday night. The Buffs (16-7, 7-6) lost the contest 111-118.

The Buffs were down at the half to the Rams 46-49. The second half brought more offense which favored the Buffs. Nearing the end of regulation, Johny Witherspoon of Bluefield had a shot attempt that rimmed out and into the hands of Senior Joe Brown (Blountville, Tenn.) which sent the game into overtime. The Buffs out scored the Rams 55-52 in the second half.

The Buffs lost the tip in overtime, but were able to hang on to the game, battling back and forth. Bluefield 's Omar Reed was fouled with just over a minute to play and converted the three point play which sent the Rams up by three points. A costly Milligan turnover and yet another basket for Bluefield sealed the game for the Rams.

The Buffs shot 45 out of 78 from the field for a total of 58 percent, but only shot 38 percent from beyond the arc. The Rams shot 45 out of 86 from the field for a total of 52 percent, and shot 33 percent from beyond the arc. Both teams were identical from the charity stripe shooting 18 out of 31 for a total of 58 percent.

Junior Jeff Barnes (Franklin, Tenn.) broke his recently set career scoring record of 30 in tonight's game by pitching in 36 points and pulling down seven rebounds. Sophomore Danny McKeehan (Morrow, Ohio) was next in the pecking order with 21 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Sophomore Derrick Nave (Elizabethton, Tenn.) chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Brown finished out the Buffs double figure point earners with 12. .

“It is always a tough loss, but it is a stepping stone,” said Barnes. “We improved tonight but Bluefield always exposes you for things you can improve on.”

The Buffs travel to Bryan College Saturday, Feb. 9. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m.