SUU wins in double OT

CEDAR CITY — Two clutch 3-pointers by Tim Gainey in the final minutes of regulation and a 25-foot buzzer-beater by Gainey forced one overtime. Another big trey by Gainey in the first overtime kept the T-Birds alive, and an 8-0 run to start the second overtime led Southern Utah to an improbable 98-91 victory over Western Illinois on Saturday night.

Curtis Lincoln gave SUU a chance to win in just one extra period, as the junior guard hit a twisting layup with two seconds remaining in the first overtime, only to see his free throw fall short. But the T-Birds outscored WIU 17-10 in the second overtime period to earn their 10th victory of the season.

"He (Gainey) really came through, but we got good efforts from DeAngelo (Newsom) and Nate Janes came up with some key plays," a somewhat relieved Bill Evans said afterward.

"My point guard kept finding me in the open, and I finally hit some shots" Gainey said as he also gave credit to Steve Barnes.

"Coach challenged me today, then got on us at halftime, and it came together at the right time," added Gainey, who came up with his best game of the season, adding 14 rebounds to go with his 18 points.

Newsom, Barnes and Rand James added 17, 16 and 15 points, respectively, for SUU.

David Jackson paced the Leathernecks with 20 points.