ELGIN, Ill. – Despite a double-digit lead with less than five minutes to play, No. 24 IU South Bend suffered their first CCAC loss of the season on Saturday afternoon, falling in overtime at Judson, 68-67.
The Titans (11-3, 7-1 CCAC) led 56-45 with 4:32 remaining in regulation, before 11 unanswered points in under three minutes quickly evened the score. In overtime, Judson (6-9, 4-4 CCAC) took advantage of a foul call on what was a game-tying layup in the closing seconds, converting the go-ahead free throw for the win.
Donyell Meredith led IUSB with 16 points on the day, while Dylan Allen registered 13 points along with a team-high seven rebounds and four assists. Miles Tracy collected 12 points to go with a pair of rebounds.
The Eagles took an early lead at the opening of the game, building an 8-2 advantage by the 15:52 mark of the first half. IU South Bend would take their first lead of the game on Micah Poole's three-pointer with 10:42 until the halftime break, going up 12-11.
After Judson claimed a 21-18 lead, Allen responded with a three on the Titans' next possession to tie the score and start a run of 13 straight points for IUSB, as the visitors would take a 35-25 lead at the half.
The Titans would maintain a small lead throughout most of the second half, but a layup and following free throw from Meredith gave IUSB their biggest advantage of the day, 56-45 with 4:32 on the clock. Despite a late field goal from Tracy to take a two-point lead with 42 seconds remaining, Judson would convert a pair of free throws to force overtime.
Tracy would score after Meredith's steal with 1:52 left in the extra session, giving the Titans their first lead in overtime, 65-63. After the Eagles tied the game, Allen edged IUSB back out in front again with his layup with 27 seconds left. The Eagles would take the win on the layup and foul with four seconds left, dealing the Titans just their third loss of the season.
IU South Bend will look to bounce back after the holiday weekend, as they return to the Student Activities Center on Tuesday, December 28 to host Siena Heights (Mich.) Tipoff in the non-conference matchup with the Saints is set for 5:00 p.m.
