HUTCHINSON, Kansas -- In one of the crazier finishes in NOC Enid basketball history, the Jets outlasted South Plains (TX) Sunday night in overtime, 71-68 advancing in the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
The Jets led South Plains 68-59 with 1:19 remaining in regulation when South Plains made a late run cutting the Jets lead to 70-68.
South Plains then attempted a half-court shot and a foul was called giving the Texans three free throws. Fortunately for the Jets, Keith Richard made only two sending the game to overtime.
In overtime, the Jets built an 81-74 lead and held off the Texans for the 81-78 win, the first NJCAA National Tournament win in school history.
"I am so proud of our team," said coach Chris Gerber, who won his 100th game at NOC Enid. "We played so well all game long and then faced adversity at the end of regulation but this team didn't quit. We rebounded in overtime and made the plays late when we needed them. Our guys could have hung their heads but they just kept playing. This is a great environment to play in and I'm glad our guys are experiencing it with more work to do on Tuesday."
Five Jets scored in double figures as Darian Grant and Riley Shore led the Jets with 17. Dontrell Yearby added 15, Gavin Barnard 13, and KeJuan Payne 12.
Grant added 10 rebounds while Barnard had seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
The Jets led 35-33 at half and then broke open a 57-57 tie with a 11-2 run to take a 68-59 lead with 1:12 left.
The Jets (21-13) are seeded #21 while the Texans (25-8) were seeded #12.
What's Next: NOC Enid faces #6 Chipola (FL) Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Jets 81, South Plains (TX) 78, OT
1 2 OT--Total
Jets 35 35 11-- 81
South Plains 33 37 8 -- 78
Jets--R. Shore 17, D. Grant 17, D. Yearby 15, Gav. Barnard 13, K. Payne 12, J. Constant 5, K. Noah 2.
