Nicholls State edges Oral Roberts, 73-72 in OT

Jan 31, 2015, 12:10 am

THIBODAUX, La. -- Dantrell Thomas forced a turnover and made the game-winning free throws in the closing seconds of overtime to lift Nicholls State over Oral Roberts 73-72 Thursday night.

Jeremy Smith scored to give Nicholls State a 71-70 lead with 33 seconds remaining in overtime. Thomas then had a steal, but was called for a technical foul. Shawn Glover made both free throws to give Oral Roberts a 72-71 lead with 20 seconds to play. Brandon Conley fouled Thomas, who hit both free throws with 7 seconds left. Korey Billbury missed a potential game-winning jumper with 3 seconds left for Oral Roberts.

Thomas scored a career-high 28 points, made 15 of 18 free throw attempts, and had three steals to lead Nicholls State (9-8, 6-2 Southland). Smith finished with 23 points on 8-of-12 shooting.

Glover scored 26 points and Billbury added 11 to lead Oral Roberts (10-11, 4-4).