VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State forward Josh Sparks knocked in two free-throws with just over one second remaining Thursday evening to lead Valdosta State over West Alabama in overtime.
Sparks' overtime heroics were set up by a back-and-forth final minute of regulation, which also featured the free-throws of the Valdosta State forward. With two seconds remaining Sparks hit two free-throws to tie the game at 66-66, setting up a half court heave by Tiger senior
Alquan Mendenhall.
Mendenhall was able to hit the shot from 50 feet out, but it came after the final buzzer. The shot eventually put the two teams in overtime with VSU coming out on top, 76-74.
For the game, West Alabama was led by four players who each scored in double figures. Point guard
Steven Samuels led the team with 20 points, while
Ryan Fitch added 17 on the night.
Junior guard
Jared Woolfolk also had a career night for the Tigers with a double-double. Woolfolk scored 16 points to go along with 12 rebounds to lead UWA.
Fresh off the heartbreaking loss, West Alabama now returns home to face West Florida Sunday at 4 p.m. The game will be the final home contest for lone senior
Alquan Mendenhall.
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www.uwaathletics.com.