PULASKI, Tenn. – Senior Day at the Curry Athletic Complex delivered everything it promised and more, as UT Southern outlasted Blue Mountain Christian 94–93 in double overtime Saturday afternoon, honoring its seniors with a dramatic SSAC victory.
Prior to tipoff, UT Southern recognized seniors Mike Bell, Jr., JaMil Wilson, and student manager Tad Maxwell for their contributions to the program. The Firehawks then put together one of their most complete offensive halves of the season to open the game.
UT Southern came out firing, scoring on six of its first seven possessions to jump out to an early advantage. Bell, Jr. set the tone with a jumper and a transition finish, while De'Marreon Baldwin attacked the rim for back-to-back buckets. Antonio Cochran added a three-pointer from the top of the key, and Eric Robinson pushed the pace to help the Firehawks build a commanding lead. Midway through the half, UT Southern rattled off a 15–2 run capped by a Kiah Key three and another fast-break finish from Baldwin, stretching the margin to as many as 25 points. The Firehawks shot over 65 percent in the first half and carried a 45–28 lead into the break.
The second half turned into a grind. UT Southern opened the period with a Robinson three and a Baldwin layup to maintain control, but Blue Mountain Christian began to chip away as free throws and transition baskets trimmed the margin. Bell, Jr. answered multiple runs with tough finishes in the paint, and JaMil Wilson provided energy inside with a strong putback and defensive presence.
Despite those efforts, the game tightened late. With the lead down to single digits in the final minutes, Bell, Jr. continued to carry the offensive load, scoring on consecutive drives to the rim. However, the contest was tied at 75–75 at the end of regulation, forcing overtime.
In the first extra period, Cochran took over offensively, scoring six of UT Southern's 10 points with a pair of jumpers and free throws. Daniel Reyes added a key basket inside, but the game remained deadlocked after five more minutes.
The second overtime saw momentum swing back and forth. Cochran knocked down a clutch three, and Bell, Jr. finished on the break to keep the Firehawks in front. After the game was tied again in the final minute, Cochran stepped to the line and knocked down the decisive free throw with 26 seconds remaining. On the final defensive possession, Reyes came up with a block at the buzzer to secure the Senior Day victory.
Bell, Jr. delivered a memorable Senior Day performance, finishing with 30 points on 11-of-17 shooting while adding four assists and three rebounds. Cochran posted a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds, anchoring the Firehawks on both ends of the floor. Baldwin added 13 points, while Robinson chipped in 10 points and six assists. Reyes finished with nine points, nine rebounds, and a pair of blocks, and Wilson scored six points in his final home appearance.
UT Southern returns to the road for its next contest, traveling to William Carey on Thursday, February 19.
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