Bluefield, WV- Big Blues lose double overtime thriller to Cedarville by a final score of 89-85.

For the second game in a row the Big Blues play another overtime thriller. As been the story for the past couple of home games, the Big Blues held a strong lead at half time and let it slip through their hands as they saw Cedarville crawl back and force overtime. Shockingly, the Yellow Jackets did not shoot their way back into the game as they were an abysmal 1 for 15 from downtown. The game was won on the offensive boards as the Yellow Jackets were able to grab 17 offensive rebounds, 10 more than the Big Blues.  

The first half started strong for the Big Blues as they were able to knock down shots and spread the court nicely. The Blues were shooting 41% from the floor and 66% from the stripe. Mark Durgan and Chas Harvey lead the way for the half with 14 & 7 respectively. This shooting helped the Blues take a 12 point lead into half time with a score 33-21.

But just like the last 2 home games, this big lead did not last in the second half. The Yellow Jackets were able to get it inside and score points in the paint. Then with one minute left in the Yellow Jackets hit their 1 and only 3 pointer of the night to bring themselves within 2. They were then able to tie the game on their next trip with 26 seconds left on the clock. The Big Blues shooting was slightly down in the second half as they shot 37% from the floor. Avery Holliday led the team in scoring in the second half for the Blues with 8 points. The Big Blues were able to hold for the last shot but unable to convert and so the game went into overtime tied at 68.

The first overtime was dead even throughout as both teams were matching each other. But the Blues were starting to have foul trouble as Derrek Farr fouled out with 1:30 in overtime and James Day came into replace him with 4 fouls. The Big Blues once again had the ball for the last shot but took an ill-advised 3 to end the period.

When the second overtime began things were once again very close. But at the 2:00 minute mark in the period, James Day fouled out and so the Blues were down on size. Cedarville took advantage of that and went inside for a couple more easy buckets. But down 1 with 10 seconds left the Big Blues had another chance to win the game. But their inbounds pass got stolen for an easy lay-up and Cedarville sealed the game with an 89-85 victory.

The Big Blues next game will be this Saturday at home against Salem International at 4:00 pm. This game is Senior Day so be sure to come out and support the senior class in their second to last home game of the season!