MURPHYSBORO — Lucas Shelby Junior’s tiebreaking free throw with half a second remaining in overtime gave Mt. Vernon a 46-45 win at Murphysboro–the Rams second straight overtime win.
The Red Devils forced overtime when Cash Brooks drilled a deep three-pointer in the final seconds to tie the game at 37. Brooks appeared as if he would extend the game again, when he buried another three in the closing seconds of OT, tying the game 45-45. Brooks led Murphysboro with 15 points on the night.
Shelby Junior hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, but the officials had whistled a foul prior to the shot, sending the junior to the free throw line. His 11th point of the night turned out to be the game winner, but not before more drama.
With length of the floor to go, Murphysboro got the ball to Kemmeon Hale at free throw. He got a shot off, but it rolled around the rim and off.
Cale Maurer led all scorers with 19 points for the Rams, who improve to 14-2. Mt. Vernon will get back into South Seven play Friday with a trip to Carbondale. Murphysboro falls to 9-5. The Red Devils will be back in action Tuesday night with another non-conference home game, this time against West Frankfort.
