ROCKFORD, Ill.  — The Bryant & Stratton College men's basketball team (3-1) ground out a 76-72 overtime victory on Tuesday night against the Rock Valley Golden Eagles (3-2).

The Bobcats jumped out to a quick 13-4 advantage, but with 11 minutes remaining in the first half, the Golden Eagles cut into Bryant & Stratton's lead and trailed by just two. Rock Valley closed the half strong and led 35-30 at halftime.

The Bobcats came out swinging at the start of the half and Daniel Sykes led the way, scoring the Bobcats' first 12 points. Bryant & Stratton's lead reached eight points with 7:20 left in the game but Rock Valley never went away. It chipped away at the lead and with the Bobcats up two with six seconds left, the Golden Eagles sent the game into overtime.

"Rock Valley is a good program that is well coached, so we have a lot of respect for that program," Bryant & Stratton College head men's basketball coach Chuck Ruffing said.

Rock Valley scored the first basket of overtime, but on the next possession, Vontez Dent hit a three-point shot to give the Bobcats the lead. Rock Valley tied the game at 72, but Keith Robinson put in a layup and the Bobcats eventually walked away with a 76-72 victory.

"Really proud of our guys and the resiliency they had at the end of the game," Ruffing said. "To go down to Rock Valley on the road and win in overtime is big time. To be able to go and win on the road is a step in the right direction for our program."

Men's basketball wins a thriller in Rockford!

76-72 in OT!#ClawsUp | #NJCAA pic.twitter.com/y8ATSuEtx7

— Bryant & Stratton College - WI Athletics (@BSCBobcatsWI) November 13, 2024