Siloam Springs, AR – Wayland Baptist and John Brown University entered Saturday's game with identical 15-6 records in SAC play and deadlocked in a three-way tie for second place. The game turned out to be just as close as the records of the two teams. There were four ties, twelve lead changes and a five-minute overtime period was necessary to determine the winner as John Brown prevailed 75-72.
The largest lead of the game was held by John Brown when they led by seven, 17-10, with 12:03 remaining in the first half. The Pioneers' largest lead was six, 40-34 with 15:43 left to play in the second half.
John Brown had a narrow 30-28 lead at halftime and Wayland Baptist outscored the Golden Eagles 34-32 in the second half, leaving the game tied at 62-all at the end of regulation. The Golden Eagles outscored the Pioneers 13-10 in the overtime period to escape with the narrow victory.
The Pioneers dominated the boards, outrebounding JBU 53-40 and shot 34 free throws, compared to 27 for the Golden Eagles. However, Wayland converted only 61.8 percent of their free throw (21-34) and turned the ball over twenty times, both of which aided in the John Brown win.
Two Pioneers turned in a double-double, with double figures in both points and rebounds.
Kabine Kaba scored 19 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Kaba also had a game-high 3 blocked shots.
Brett Leach scored 12 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds, 4 steals, 2 assists and a block.
Quenton Coleman was the other double figure scorer for WBU with 19 points. Coleman also added 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
Dylan McDougal contributed 9 points, 3 rebounds and an assist.
Niko Noumeros added 8 points and 3 assists.
James Lee had 3 points, 3 steals and 6 rebounds.
Jaxon Recer scored 2 points along with 2 steals, a rebound, assist and block.
The Pioneers travel to Point Lookout, Missouri to face the University of the Ozarks on Monday, February 17 at 5:00 PM.
