NORFOLK, Va. -- Old Dominion had its 32-game home winning streak snapped on Thursday night, as the Monarchs fell in overtime to reigning Conference USA champ UAB, 72-71, at the Ted Constant Center.
ODU (9-8, 2-2 C-USA) trailed by as many as 11 in the second half, but used a 13-0 run with less than seven minutes remaining to take the lead down the stretch. Denzell Taylor grabbed an offensive rebound and converted a layup with 22 seconds remaining to tie the game at 57-57, and then the Monarch defense forced a miss on the other end to send the game to overtime.
In overtime, the teams continued to exchange baskets, including a series of three-pointers, but it was UAB guard Nick Norton's put-back layup with just two seconds remaining that proved to be the difference.
“This is a tough one to lose,” said ODU head coach Jeff Jones. “This was two good teams playing really hard, trading punches and they made one more play than us. Saturday is an opportunity to start a new streak.”
Trey Freeman led all scorers with 28 points, while Brandan Stith recorded the first double-double of his ODU career with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Aaron Bacote also finished in double figures with 13 points.
For the game, UAB’s bench outscored ODU’s, 43-19. The lead changed 13 times and the score was tied a total of nine times.
In the first half, UAB used a 4-of-6 start from three-point lead to build an early eight-point advantage 10 minutes into the game. Freeman's 14 first-half points helped keep the Monarchs within striking distance, but the Blazers would carry a 33-25 lead into halftime.
The UAB bench played a key role in the Blazers' first-half success, accounting for 23 of the team's 33 first-half points. Overall, UAB shot 46 percent from the field in the opening half, while holding the Monarchs to just 30 percent.
Overall, ODU outrebounded UAB, 47-35, and held a 28-9 edge in second-chance points, but the Blazers held a 43-19 advantage in bench points. William Lee led UAB with 28 points and seven boards off the bench, while Robert Brown finished with 14 points and five assists.
NEXT UP FOR THE MONARCHS
Old Dominion hosts Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Ted Constant Center. The game will air on the FOX Sports Network.
DON’T MISS THE ACTION!
Monarch basketball season tickets are on sale now for the 2015-16 season at YNottix.com or by calling the box office 757-683-4444.
TICKETS (Single Game)
Adult Lower Bowl - $17
Adult Club - $31
Military/Seniors/Youth/Faculty Staff - $15
Group pricing available by calling Todd McKeating at 757-683-7087
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Get 10 tickets to use at any home ODU basketball games during the 2015-16 regular season. Use them all at one game to bring family and friends, or spread them out over the season. The choice is yours! The price is $120 for a men’s basketball voucher book. That’s a $50 savings over purchasing at the ticket window. Purchase now at www.ynottix.com.
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