Elijah Strong’s 3-pointer with 4.1 seconds left in overtime propelled Boston College to a 76-74 win over Missouri State in Monday’s semifinal round game of the Cayman Islands Classic in George Town, Grand Cayman.Donald Hand Jr. and Fred Payne each scored 18 points while Strong netted eight of his 13 in overtime to lead the Eagles (5-1), who lost an 11-point lead in the second half but overcame a 6-0 run against them to begin the extra period.Hand captured a steal and hit two free throws to give Boston College a 73-72 lead at the 0:29 mark in overtime, only to see Michael Osei-Bonsu knock down a jumper the next trip down the floor for Missouri State (4-2).The Bears were led by Dez White, whose 25-point performance was fueled by a 12-of-13 showing from the foul line. Jalen Hampton recorded a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double.The game featured 16 lead changes and eight ties.Jayden Hastings’ jumper with 11:41 left in regulation gave Boston College a game-high 48-37 lead, but Missouri State used a 16-5 run to take a late lead before Hand’s 3-pointer from the right with 14 seconds left forced overtime.Turnovers led to Chase Martin’s game-tying uncontested layup and a go-ahead jumper by White, extending the Bears’ run to 12-2 with 1:29 left, but Payne flipped the score back the Eagles’ way with a 3-pointer 17 seconds later.Before Hand’s game-tying shot, White gave Missouri State a 64-61 lead with four free throws. White started overtime with four straight points as part of a 6-0 run, but Hastings’ dunk and a Strong trey brought the Eagles within 70-69.The Eagles scored seven of the last nine points.
Elijah Strong’s late trey in OT lifts Boston College past Missouri State
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