SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Old Dominion men’s basketball team (23-6, 13-3 C-USA) clinched the Conference USA regular season title after defeating UTSA (15-13, 9-6 C-USA) by a 65-64 score on Thursday night at the Convocation Center. The regular season title is ODU’s first since 2010. The Monarchs have now won seven straight, 12 of their last 13, 21 of their last 24.
A 10-0 ODU run gave the Monarchs a 45-40 advantage at the 14:38 mark of the second half. The Roadrunners later answered with a 7-0 run of their own, tying the contest at 51-51 with 9:02 to play. The ballgame remained tied at 60-60 with 2:54 remaining in regulation.
Two free-throws from B.J. Stith, followed by a made jumper from Ahmad Caver gave ODU a 64-60 lead with 1:52 left. UTSA would pull within two, 64-62, with 10 seconds remaining. Xavier Green then went 1-2 from the free-throw line to give ODU three-point lead (65-62) with 8 seconds remaining in the regulation, before Jhivvan Jackson hit a layup with one second to play, but it wasn’t enough for the Roadrunners as the Monarchs claimed a one-point victory in San Antonio.
Stith led Old Dominion with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Caver was three rebounds shy of a triple-double, as he finished with 13 points, 10 assists and seven boards. Xavier Green went for 14 points, two rebounds and two steals. Kalu Ezikpe recorded nine points and eight rebounds. Jason Wade chipped in nine points and five rebounds.
As a team, ODU held advantages for rebounds (43-29), offensive rebounds (15-4), bench points (20-9), points in the paint (34-26) and second chance points (10-4). The game experienced eight ties and six lead changes. Old Dominion led for 28:46, UTSA held a lead for 6:44, while the game was tied for 4:30.
In a first half that the Monarchs led by as many seven, UTSA would claim a 34-32 lead at the half after the Roadrunners hit a half court shot at the buzzer. ODU held advantages for rebounds (26-14), points in the paint (18-10) and bench points (14-6.) Stith paced Old Dominion with 12 points and seven boards, while Ezikpe chipped in eight points and six rebounds.
Old Dominion will return to the hardwood on Wednesday, March 6, when the Monarchs welcome Southern Miss to the Ted Constant Convocation Center for a 7:00 p.m. ET tip. Wednesday night’s game will stream on CBS Sports Network’s Facebook page. Wednesday night will mark Senior Night for Ahmad Caver, B.J. Stith and Elbert Robinson III. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:45 for the Senior Night Ceremony.
Season Ticket Swap - Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Game
Attention all ODU men’s basketball season ticket holders. Available now, season ticket holders may redeem unused game tickets for General Admission seat to the men’s game versus Southern Miss on Wednesday, March 6 as part of our Season Ticket Holder Appreciation Game. Redeem your tickets now at the Constant Center Box Office or at the Ticket Window prior to the game while supplies last. Help us fill the Ted!