SALEM, Ore. (Interstat) — In a high-octane season opener that required an extra period to decide a winner, the Willamette Bearcats outlasted the La Verne Leopards 109-98 in a men’s NCAA Division III basketball game Friday night at Cone Field House.

A crowd of 276 watched as the Bearcats erased a 15-point halftime deficit with a dominant second-half performance before seizing control in overtime to secure the victory.

La Verne came out firing, building a 53-38 lead by halftime behind an efficient offensive attack. The Leopards maintained their advantage for much of the second half, but Willamette mounted a relentless comeback. The Bearcats outscored La Verne 51-36 after the intermission, forcing the game into overtime tied at 89.

The extra period belonged entirely to the home team. Willamette exploded for 20 points in overtime while holding La Verne to just nine, turning a tightly contested game into a double-digit victory.

Tanner Overby led all scorers for Willamette, pouring in 28 points to go with six rebounds and five assists in 33 minutes of action. He was instrumental in the Bearcats’ second-half surge and overtime dominance. Kellen Sande provided a crucial scoring punch with 23 points, while Anujan Tennathur recorded a double-double with 20 points and six rebounds.

La Verne’s offense was led by a balanced effort. Higgy Katoa, a 6-foot-1 guard from Kailua, Hawaii, tallied 17 points and dished out six assists. James Christian, a 6-foot-1 guard from Lakewood, California, added 18 points, and Kason White, a 6-foot-5 player from Long Beach, California, also scored 17. Major Hurley, a 6-foot-5 forward from Fresno, California, contributed 16 points and six rebounds.

The game was a tale of two halves and an overtime period. La Verne’s sharp shooting built a substantial early lead, but Willamette’s resilience and potent offense after halftime ultimately proved too much for the Leopards to overcome.

With the win, Willamette begins its season 1-0. La Verne starts its campaign 0-1. Willamette is scheduled to travel to face Warner Pacific on Saturday. La Verne’s next contest is also on Saturday against Westcliff.