TUSKEGEE, Ala. – Travis Flagg scored a career high 27 points, made five three pointers and dished out six assist but the Tuskegee University men's team fell in double-overtime to Johnson C. Smith 90-87 Tuesday night at Chappie James Arena .
In the final overtime trailing 88-86, Flagg had a chance to tie the game but made one of two free throws denying any chance at a third overtime.
Tuskegee (0-3, 0-0) saw four score in double figures including 17 points by Thomas Massesy on 5-of-11 shooting from three point range He also added nine rebounds. James Eads added 15 points while Jaylan Shelton chipped in 13 points.
The Golden Tigers outscored the Golden Bulls 18-8 through the first 12 minutes of the game and forced its CIAA opponent to shoot 20 percent from three point range in the first half. Myles Thomas scored six of those 18 points sinking a pair of three pointers within the first four minutes.
After leading 27-21 at halftime, TU quickly increased its lead to 10 points after a Mike Young jumper and a layup from Jaylan Shelton to open the second half.
With 4:53 left to play and TU leading 60-58, Robert Davis tied the game at 60-60 with a layup for Johnson C. Smith. Two plays later, Davis was fouled on his way to the basket after a steal. He made both free throws and JCS led for the first time 62-60. The Golden Bulls made another layup and a free throw giving them their biggest lead of the contest 65-60.
With 2:36 remaining, Flagg made a three pointer narrowing the deficit 65-63. Thomas tied the game for the Golden Tigers after a pull-up jumper at the foul line. The Golden Bulls took the lead again with 29 seconds with a layup from Davis making the score 67-65. TU responded when Flagg found Shelton under the basket who tied the game and forced overtime with his layup.
In overtime, Davis made a three pointer from the baseline with 11 seconds left to give the Golden Bulls a 78-75 lead. The ensuing possession, Shelton was foul attempting a three pointer with 3.2 seconds remaining. The West Point, Mississippi native made all three to force a second overtime.
Tuskegee allowed 16 second chance points but only manufactured two of their own. The Golden Tigers host Valdosta State at 3:00 p.m. Saturday night.
