The Roadrunner Men's Basketball team faced an epic challenge vs. visiting Delaware County Community College Saturday as they played catchup right from the opening tipoff and seemed down for the count entering the final minute of regulation.

But resiliency and a never-say-die attitude won out with the Runners rallying for a stunning 85-81 overtime triumph over the Phantoms for their second straight win -- and it may just be a turning-point victory in the 2024-25 season.

Sophomore forward Chris Racobaldo led the offense by pumping in 22 points. But it was teammates Kassius Willis and Ace Lassiter who pulled through in the clutch when there seemed little hope.

Willis, who finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, sank two free throws with 15.2 seconds remaining. Lassiter then recorded a steal to set up a layup by Fred Orock with 3.2 seconds left to tie it at 75-75 and send the game to overtime.

In OT, Willis took control, scoring 7 of the team's 10 points to put the Runners out in front for good. With 1:30 remaining, he hauled in a break-away pass from Orock, notched an easy layup and then converted a free throw to make it 83-78 to seal the outcome.

"We finally started executing, and we got the crowd into it," said Willis. "We kept getting closer and closer, but then took steps back in the second half. We got our rhythm back just in time."

Lassiter, who finished with 15 points and came away and pulled down some timely rebounds, played a key role in the comeback. The Runners fell behind Delco by 12 points midway through the second half with the Phantoms using easy back-door layups and outside shooting from Omar Davis (20 points) and Jabree Martin (19) to build the lead.

"We made some defensive adjustments to stop those easy shots they were getting, and it made a difference," said Lassiter. "We took control and owned the game in the final minutes. Once we got to OT we knew we had to put them away."

The Runners also received solid outside production from guard Hajir Davis, who tossed in 13 points. Racobaldo and Willis each made a pair of three-point baskets, with the two combining to hit on 13 of 25 field goal attempts.

"This was a great comeback effort by a group who refused to give up," said Coach Brandon Williams. "We were being manhandled for a stretch, but once we turned up the defensive pressure, we were able to pick away at their lead and finally caught them.

"Give Delaware County credit -- they played a tough game and really challenged us. But it's nice to get a second straight win and set a nice tone moving forward."

Next up for the Runners, who are 8-11 overall, will be a home match vs. Sussex County CC on Tuesday, January 21 starting at 7 pm.