Men’s basketball pulls out hard-fought victory in overtime over Spokane

NIC men’s basketball took about as much as they could handle from Spokane in an exciting 103-100 overtime victory in Spokane Wednesday night.

Nate Pryor shoots a jump-shot late in the second half. Pryor struggled most of the night , and finished with nine points on 3-13 shooting. Pryor made up for his poor performance with some huge shots in key moments, including his go-ahead layup with 19 seconds left.

Down 96-99 with 40 seconds left in overtime, things looked desperate for NIC until James Carlson drilled a huge three-point shot to tie the game at 99. NIC then fouled Spokane guard Austin White on a steal attempt, White went 1-2 from the free-throw line to put Spokane up 100-99.

Nate Pryor scored on a layup off the glass with 19 seconds left, and on the next possession tipped a pass that Jaden Dewar came up with. Dewar was immediately fouled and sank both free throws to put NIC up 103-100. The Cards were able to withstand Spokane’s desperation three-point attempt and came up with the victory.

Dewar led the way offensively for the cards and with 28 points on 11-13 shooting. Dewar also came up with five offensive rebounds, four of which came in the second half and overtime. Yusuf Mohamed had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Christian Guess added 17 points.

The Cards secured first place in the East region with the victory, but will not be participating in the playoffs due to a three-year suspension for violating NWAC rules.

The Cards (14-0, 25-1) return home to play Yakima Valley (7-7, 10-15) Saturday, Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. NIC dominated Yakima Valley earlier this season in a 118-81 victory on the road.