Quincy, MA – Men's Basketball fell just short in a double-overtime thriller against the Eastern Nazarene College Lions 88-94 on Friday, January 12^th, 2024. 
 
Thomas College: Overall (5-9), NAC (2-2)
Eastern Nazarene College: Overall (5-11), NAC (2-6)
 
How it Happened:

• The Lions started this game out strongly, jumping out to a 16-6 lead over the Terriers seven minutes into the first half. 
• However, the Terriers scored seven straight points thanks to Mark McDonald and Cooper Wirkala to make it 14-16.
• Both teams traded shots for the remaining time in the first half, while Metin Yavuz added 11 points in the half.
• The second half started with the Terriers down 34-39, but the Tigers quickly added on another six straight points.
• The Terriers battled back to make it 53-55 with nine minutes to play in the second half, thanks to two good free throws from Trey Brown.
• An impressive 11 straight successful free throws made by the Terriers eventually tied the game up 65-65 with just under one minute remaining.
• A three-point shot by the Lions saw them take back the lead, but just seconds later Jackson Ruelke would respond and hit a huge three-point shot with 20 seconds left to tie the game back up at 68 a piece. 
• The Lions missed their final shot in regulation, and so the game went to overtime tied at 68.
• James Phelan would score four straight points and add a steal in the first period of overtime, but neither team could break the deadlock.
• Both teams traded possessions in which they would come up short in the remaining 10 seconds, meaning that the game would head to a second overtime period tied at 73.
• The Lions would open up the second overtime period on a 6-2 run, but once again the Terriers would battle back to cut the deficit to three with three minutes remaining.
• The Lions would go on to hit the necessary free throws to ensure them the victory, ending in a 88-94 loss for the Terriers. 

Inside the Stats:

• The Terriers dominated in points off of turnovers with 26, compared to the 19 produced by the Lions. 
• Phelan led all scorers with 23 points, while also adding an impressive six steals and six assists. 
• Phelan, Wirkala, Yavuz, Ruelke, and McDonald all scored in double figures, while Ruelke also added 10 rebounds. 

What's Next:

• Men's Basketball will look to bounce back as they take on the Eastern Nazerene Lions again tomorrow, January 13^th, 2024. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM.