[Men's Basketball] Gardiner's Buzzer-Beater in Overtime Drops Morningside

Doane Men's Basketball used some last-second heroics for the second straight game as they knocked off Morningside on Saturday afternoon, 72-71, in overtime. The win snapped an 18-game skid to the Mustangs and was the first win on the Sioux City court since 2013.

Morningside built a 10-point lead by the halftime break, 35-25, behind balanced scoring as four players had six points apiece to lead the team. Josiah Gardiner (SO/Milford, Neb.) led the TIgers with 12 points in the opening half.

In the second half, Doane was in an 11-point deficit with 7:20 to play. Following back-to-back 3-point baskets from Anthony Laravie (SR/Omaha, Neb.), Alec Oberhauser (SR/Parkersburg, Iowa) scored on a layup which was followed by one from Laravie to cut the deficit to one point, 57-56, with 5:18 to play. The Mustangs continued to hold the lead as play moved into the final minute of regulation. 

Following a pair of free throws that put Morningside ahead by four points, the Tigers received a layup by Oberhauser to cut into the deficit. The Mustangs turned over the ball on the ensuing inbounds play and Oberhauser tied the game with a layup. Following another Morningside turnover, Doane had one last shot attempt before the end of regulation, however, the shot attempt was blocked to force extra time.

In overtime, the largest lead for either team was two points. Gardiner opened the extra period with two free throws. The next six points for Doane were scored by Brady Timm (FR/Yutan, Neb.) while the Mustangs next six points were scored by Trey Brown, leaving the Tigers with a 70-68 lead with 35 seconds to play. The next Morningside possession saw Zach Imig get open on the left wing and he knocked down a go-ahead 3-point basket for the Mustangs with 18 seconds left.

With the last possession, Timm attacked and kicked out to Tyler Sullivan (SR/Gretna, Neb.). Looking to attack, the ball took an odd bounce for Sullivan but he was able to recover and hit Gardiner 15 feet extended from the low right block. Gardiner turned and fired up a fade-away jumper as the final seconds ran off the clock, knocking down the shot for the one-point victory.

Gardiner led all scorers with 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting, including 5-of-5 at the free throw line. Laravie and Timm added 18 points apiece. Laravie hit four 3-point baskets while Timm dished out a team-high three assists. Oberhauser led Doane with 14 rebounds in the game, all on the defensive end.

Morningside received 14 points and seven rebounds from Brown as three players finished in double figures.

Doane will be back home on January 21 when they host nationally-ranked Jamestown at 6:45 PM.