GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Davenport men's basketball defeated Tiffin University 66-59 in overtime at the DU Student Center on Saturday in regional competition for their third straight win (3-1). Davenport secured the win with a strong defensive effort in the extra session, limiting Tiffin to just four points. Their bench contributed 25 points, supplementing their offensive efforts, while they capitalized on Tiffin's turnovers by scoring 16 points off those opportunities.
Alden Ritt, who recorded his second straight double-double with a career-high 14 rebounds, made three consecutive free throws at 16:55 to put Davenport ahead 4-2 in the opening minutes. However, the Dragons kept pace and took a 13-10 lead at the 11:39 mark. The Panthers would go on an 8-0 run to take a 20-17 lead with 7:19 left in the half. Tiffin would regain the lead at 25-24 with 2:18 to go in the half, but Davenport got a putback basket by
Jermaine Taggart with four seconds on the clock as DU led 28-27 at halftime.
Davenport and Tiffin engaged in a tightly contested second half, with the score frequently changing hands. The Dragons built a 34-28 lead in the first couple of minutes to start the half. The lead was maintained and Tiffin led 44-36 at the 9:28 mark. Davenport would go on an 11-0 run to regain the lead at 47-44 as Ritt scored on the fast break. Tiffin led 53-50 with 2:14 remaining in regulation and the Panthers got the game-tying basket from
Ken Walker on a three-pointer with six seconds left.
Davenport secured a decisive lead in the overtime, outscoring Tiffin 11-4.
Dylan Smith's free throws at the 5:00 mark started the scoring, pushing Davenport ahead.
Keane Hinkle's three-pointer at 2:44, assisted by
Curtis Jackson, reclaimed the lead for the home team at 60-59. Jackson and Hinkle each contributed four successful free throws in the final minute, sealing the game with a 66-59 advantage. The Davenport defense clamped down and did not allow a point in the final 2:57. The Panthers scored the final nine points of the contest.
Davenport Top Performers
Ken Walker
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- 20 points
- 7 field goals made
- 3 three-pointers made
- 2 steals
- 41 minutes
Alden Ritt
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- 12 points
- 14 rebounds
- 2 steals
Keane Hinkle
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- 7 points
- 2 steals
- 2 assists
