The Briar Cliff and Dakota Wesleyan men's basketball teams battled to the final seconds of both regulation and overtime in Thursday's matchup. The Chargers fell 76-78 in overtime at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota.
 
With two seconds left in regualation, Dakota Wesleyan connected on a layup to send the contest into overtime. In the OT period, it was the Chargers who had an opportunity to tie the game with two seconds left on the clock. However, BC was unable to convert a last-second attempt over the DWU defense.  
 
"Tonight was obviously a tough one. We had chances to win the game on the road, but credit DWU as they made a couple tough plays down the stretch," said head coach Mark Svagera. "Right now we need to have a short memory and push forward to prepare for Saturday."

The Chargers entered the contest averaging 13.2 3-pointers per game in their last five contests, but only connected on five in the Corn Palace. Briar Cliff turned to the inside game, scoring 52 of 76 points in the paint.
 
The Chargers led 13-12 after a defensive-heavy opening 10 minutes of play. BC grabbed their largest lead of the first half, 28-20 at the two-minute mark. A pair of Dakota Wesleyan free throws in the closing minute brought the Charger lead to 30-24 at halftime.
 
Jaden Kleinhesselink and Quinn Vesey paced the floor in the first half with eight points apiece.
 
The Chargers shot 40.6% from the floor while holding DWU to 29.2%. However, the Tigers made up points at the free throw line going 7-for-8. The two teams combined to shoot 5-for-23 from deep.
 
Both sides found their offensive groove after the intermission as they posted over 50.0% shooting from the field. The score was tied or in the Chargers hand for over 18 minutes of the second half, but the Tiger stayed within striking range throughout. Kyle Boerhave scored nine of his 15 second half points in the final 10 minutes. However, his efforts were matched by the Tigers, who tied the game with two seconds left to force overtime.
 
The Tigers gained the lead early in the OT period and iced the game at the free throw line going 6-of-9.
 
Boerhave just missed a double-double with 20 points and eight rebounds to go with five assists. He was 8-for-12 from the field. Groves added 18 points on 50% shooting and had four boards. Vesey and Kleinhesselink rounded out the double-digit scoring with 16 and 10 points, respectively.
 
The Chargers move to 8-7 (2-6 GPAC) on the season and will return to the Newman Flanagan Center Saturday to host Doane at 3:45 p.m.