FAYETTEVILLE, N.C.  A missed Methodist jumper and a missed tip-in in the game's final three seconds kept the contest from advancing into a third overtime, as visiting Pfeiffer University escaped with a 112-110 victory over the Methodist men's basketball team Tuesday evening in USA South Athletic Conference action. The Falcons snapped a four-game Monarch win streak.

The game featured eight lead changes and 13 ties with the Falcons leading for 22 minutes to the Monarchs' 21 minutes. Calvin Manley's three-pointer with 17 seconds remaining in the second OT period cut the deficit to 111-110, and after Pfeiffer made one of two free throws, Sam Mingledoff and Kevin McLaughlin Jr. both had opportunities to tie the game but neither of their shots fell.

Previously, Malik Edwards forced a second overtime after he made a layup through contact to tie the game at 99-99. Edwards also earned the block on Pfeiffer's last ditch three-point attempt at the buzzer.

Manley had himself a career day, finishing with a stat line of 28 points on 9-of-17 shooting, nine rebounds, three blocks, and three assists. Each of those numbers are new personal marks. He made his presence known in the overtime period, as well, with seven points, two blocks, and an assist. Malik Edwards and McLaughlin Jr. also performed well in the extra time as the guard duo combined for 15 points, four assists, three steals, and a block in the two five-minute periods.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Pfeiffer def. Methodist, 112-110 2OT
Records: Methodist 10-6 (6-2 USA South); Pfeiffer 9-7 (4-4)
Location: Riddle Center; Fayetteville, N.C.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• It looked like the Falcons were going to run away with the game in the first overtime period. Pfeiffer was leading 92-85 with 2:21 remaining and three Monarch starters had already fouled out. However, Edwards and McLaughlin Jr., in particular, rose to the occasion for Methodist. Edwards hit a three in his first possession on the court in the period, followed by McLaughlin Jr. getting a steal, drawing a foul, and making both his free throws to make it a two-point, 92-90 game. 
• Edwards assisted on a deep McLaughlin Jr. three to cut the deficit to 94-93 and with 51 seconds remaining, Edwards tied the game at 95 with a floater. On Edwards' layup to force a second overtime, McLaughlin Jr. earned the assist.
• Two made free throws by Manley in the second overtime gave the Monarchs a 105-101 lead with three minutes to play. Pfeiffer eventually tied the game at 107-107 with 1:32 to play and Regin Larson pushed the Falcons ahead on a bucket from his offensive rebound with 46 ticks left. A transition layup put Pfeiffer seemingly in firm control with a 111-107 lead and under 30 seconds to go but M. Edwards found Manley for a three-ball to cut the deficit to one with 17 ticks in the period.
• The Pfeiffer win would not have been possible if not for the heroics (or anti-heroics, depending on who you root for) of Tyjarek Simmons. Methodist was ahead 80-74 with 30 seconds remaining before Simmons forced overtime with two consecutive three-pointers. His first one was beyond 30 feet to make it a 80-77 game. His equalizer with 5.6 ticks remaining was an off-balance, fade-away three-pointer. He was given the chance to tie after two missed Methodist free throws.
• He opened the first overtime scoring eight of the Falcons' first 10 points in the period to lead Pfeiffer to a 92-85 lead midway through the stanza.

STAT FACTS

• In a game where every point counts, the Monarchs getting outscored 25-7 on second chance points shines bright. Methodist was outrebounded 59-43 for the game, and 16-7 in overtime.
• Mingledoff recorded his second career double-double as he had a career-high 12 rebounds to go along with a season-high 16 points. He added two assists and two steals and two makes from downtown.
• Garren Dearman finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and four steals while Dante Burden had 15 points and three assists.
• Off the bench, McLaughlin Jr. finished with 14 points, a team-high five assists, four steals, and four rebounds.
• For Pfeiffer, Simmons ended the game with 25 points on 7-of-13 shooting. He had 14 points in the overtime period alone on four-of-four shooting from the field, with two makes from long range.

UP NEXT

• The Monarchs battle Maryville (Tenn.) College as the Scots hosts Methodist Saturday, January 25 at 4 p.m. The two teams face off for the first time since Maryville defeated the Monarchs in conference championship last season.
• Pfeiffer is on the road against Averett University for a January 25 date at 2 p.m.