BOAZ – The Cleveland State Cougars defeated the Snead State men's basketball team Tuesday night in overtime 100-91.
The Parsons jumped out to a 20-6 first-half lead with 12 minutes remaining behind the strong play of sophomore point guard DeMarcus Threatt. With eight minutes left and the Parsons up 26-13, the Cougars began to mount a comeback that would force both teams to go into halftime tied at 39.
With eight seconds to go in the game, the Parsons found Threatt for a layup and foul, giving the Parsons a 77-75 lead. Cleveland State quickly inbounded the ball and ran up the court where a foul was called on a bucket with six seconds to go and tied at 77. The Cougars missed the free throw, and freshmen Jaylon DeBardlabon secured the rebound and laid the ball in as time expired. But, officials argued there was 1.1 second remaining in the game. The Cougars scored, and the teams went into overtime tied at 79.
In overtime, Cleveland State jumped to a 84-81 lead. After a lot of back and forth, the Parsons blinked, and Cleveland State was able to take a 95-91 lead. After several foul shots, the visiting Cougars left with a 100-91 victory.
Snead State fell to 1-9 on the season.
DeMarcus Threatt led all scorers with 30 points, shooting 50 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free throw line. He contributed two rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block.
Three other Parsons scored in double figures in the loss. Freshmen center Jace Haggermaker added 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Sophomore Nick Barnes, despite being injured in the game, managed to dunk home four shots while scoring 12 points and hauling in six rebounds to go with two assists, two blocks and a steal.
Freshman Jaylon DeBardlabon rounded out the double figure scorers for the Parsons as he finished the game with 10 points, four rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals.
The Parsons will take on Lurleen B. Wallace Saturday at home. The game begin at 5 p.m.
Pictured is DeMarcus Threatt