Eagles Fall in Triple-Overtime Heartbreaker to LSU-Shreveport Pilots

Shreveport, La. – The Texas A&M University-Texarkana Men's Basketball team faced off against the LSU-Shreveport Pilots in an unforgettable triple-overtime thriller on Saturday. Despite a valiant effort, the Eagles fell just short at the final buzzer, losing 120-118 in a game that saw 19 ties and 13 lead changes.

The Eagles controlled much of the first half, building their largest lead of 12 points with just under 10 minutes to play. However, the Pilots closed the half with clutch shooting, swinging momentum in their favor and entering halftime with an 11-point edge.

The second half saw a reversal of roles as the Pilots maintained their lead until Deovaunta Williams came up with a crucial steal and layup to tie the game at 67 with 9:01 remaining. From there, both teams traded baskets, and with seconds left, the score was deadlocked at 84. The Eagles had a final chance to win in regulation, but the shot didn't fall, sending the game into its first overtime.

The first overtime was just as tightly contested. With seconds left, Payton Chism sank two free throws to give the Eagles a three-point lead. However, LSUS guard Melvion Flanagan hit a clutch three-pointer to tie the game and force a second overtime.

In the second overtime, the scenario repeated itself. Chism again put the Eagles ahead late, but the Pilots tied it with a basket from Boldi Varga, setting up a thrilling third overtime.

In the final overtime, the Eagles had one last chance to win. Down by two with three seconds left, they called a timeout to set up a potential game-winning three-pointer. The Eagles managed to create an open look, but the shot rattled out at the buzzer, giving the Pilots the hard-fought victory.

Daryl Houston led all scorers with a career-high 30 points and 10 rebounds, recording his first double-double of his career. Rodney Mason II also set a career high with 28 points while adding seven assists. Payton Chism contributed across the board with seven assists and seven rebounds.

The Eagles will look to rebound at home this Thursday, January 16th, when they take on their intra-system rival, the Jaguars of Texas A&M University-San Antonio, in an RRAC matchup. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m., following the conclusion of the women's game.