Washington, D.C.- The Penn St. Berks Men's Basketball Team earn a thrilling overtime victory over Gallaudet University, defeating the Bison by a score of 84-79 on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Berks (6-14 Overall, 5-8 UE) fell behind early as the Bison (2-19 Overall, 2-11 UE) took an early 9-2 advantage. Andre Ballard looked to jump start the offense, hitting a 3-pointer. Kai Davis slashed to the basket, cutting the deficit down to three. Luke Collins gave the team a boost in his return, hitting a 3-pointer from the wing.

Marquis Ferreira gave Berks its first lead of the game, splashing a 3-pointer in transition off a steal by Collins. The lead was short-lived as Gallaudet ran off the next 11 points to retake a 10-point advantage. Ferreira hit two 3-pointers trying to help Berks chip away at the deficit, but the Lions still trailed by 11 with 2:42 remaining in the first half. Josh Mingledolph knocked down a pull up jump shot, and Ballard drilled a 3-pointer on the next possession. Mingledolph then scored in transition followed by a layup by Davis that cut the deficit down to two. Ballard closed the half by converting a layup in transition, leveling the score at 36 heading into the break.

Berks continued their momentum early in the second half, opening the half on an 8-0 run that featured 3-pointers from Jaedon Mast and Ballard. The Lions continued to have success from beyond the arc, with Collins hitting another 3-pointer giving Berks a 51-40 advantage. Midway through the half, Ballard connected again from distance, ballooning the Lions lead to 17 points. Gallaudet made a push, holding Berks to three points during the final seven minutes, rallying back to knot the score 71 and send the game into overtime.

Ballard started overtime by converting a pair of free throws and then a 3-pointer to give Berks a five-point lead. Mingledolph pushed the lead to six, finishing a layup off a great pass from Isaiah Cotten. Collins and Mingledolph convert free throws down the stretch, securing the 84-79 victory.

Ballard recorded a double-double, posting a game-high 25 points and gathering 11 rebounds. Ferreira finished the game with 14 points, going 4-5 from beyond the arc. Collins also posted 14 points, going 4-6 from 3-point range. Mingledolph also reached double figures, scoring 10 points. Berks matched their season-high for 3-pointers, hitting 14 times from beyond the arc, shooting 46.7% for the game.

WHO'S NEXT
The Lions continue their road trip, heading St. Mary's City to take on St. Mary's College (MD) on Saturday, Feb. 8. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM.

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