SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The Southeastern Louisiana men's basketball dropped a heartbreaker in overtime to the University of Incarnate Word, 82-75, Saturday afternoon at the McDermott Center.
 
The Lions (6-18, 3-10 Southland) had four players score in double figures led by Pape Diop with 19. Freshman Nick Caldwell added 15 points including a couple of blocked shots in the final minute of regulation. LaQuan Butler had 12 points and five assists while Ty Brewer chipped in with 10 points and 10 rebounds for his eighth double-double of the season.
 
The Cardinals (7-16, 4-8 Southland) also had four in double figures led by Keaston Willis and Des Balentine with 17 points each. Freshman Drew Lutz added 15 points including 7-for-7 from the free throw line while Dwight Murray Jr. had 13 to pace UIW.
 
The first half was a back-and-forth battle featuring 10 lead changes. But SLU had the lead at halftime, 38-36. Early in the second half, the Lions appeared to be in control as they took a 52-41 lead with 15:19 remaining. However, the Cardinals responded with a 22-7 run as they took a 63-59 lead with 5:33 to go.
 
SLU responded as Butler drilled a three-pointer and Brewer and freshman Byron Smith scored layups to tie the game at 66-66 with 2:32 to go. Butler, a sophomore from Benton Harbor, Michigan, broke the tie as he scored on a fast break layup with 18 seconds to go.
 
UIW tied the game with eight seconds left after Lutz was fouled hitting both free throws. SLU had a chance to win it with four seconds left as Smith got a good look from the elbow but the shot missed just left sending the game to overtime tied at 68-68.
 
The Cardinals converted 10 of 12 free throws in overtime to pull away and steal the victory from the Lions' grasp.
 
SLU finished the game 25-for-56 (44 percent) from the field while UIW was 27-for-56. The Lions were 17-for-22 from the free throw line while the Cardinals were 25-for-30.
 
Next up, the Lions will return home to face Sam Houston State (15-9, 8-5 Southland) Wednesday night at 7 p.m. SHSU edged the Lions earlier this year in Huntsville, Texas, 67-62. The Bearkats fell, 88-82, at Nicholls Saturday.
 
HARDWOOD CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the basketball program are encouraged to join the Hardwood Club.  Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letterwinners.  All membership fees and donations to Hardwood Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern basketball program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.
 
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