CEDAR CITY, Utah (Interstat) — In a Western Athletic Conference thriller that defied both expectations and a late double-digit deficit, Southern Utah outlasted Tarleton State 106-105 in overtime on Thursday night at Centrum Arena.

The game, witnessed by 955 fans, was a stark contrast to pregame projections. Interstat’s ELO system had given Tarleton State a 77.2% probability to win, and the combined score of 211 points shattered an over/under line set at 152.5. The victory snapped a three-game skid for the Thunderbirds, who improved to 5-13 overall, while the Texans fell to 11-7.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final chaotic seconds of regulation and extended into the extra period, transforming what seemed like a certain Tarleton State road win into a stunning Southern Utah comeback.

Tarleton State, which had trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half, mounted a fierce second-half rally behind the spectacular scoring of guard Dior Johnson. The Kingston, New York, native poured in a game-high 40 points, fueling a Texans offense that erased the deficit and built a 92-88 lead with just 33 seconds remaining in the second half.

Southern Utah, however, refused to capitulate. After a Tarleton State turnover, Dylan Jones of Saratoga Springs, Utah, drilled a clutch 3-pointer from an assist by Lorenzo Abellar with 4.9 seconds left in overtime to pull the Thunderbirds within 103-101. Following a quick Texans basket, Southern Utah’s Elijah Duval was fouled on a desperation heave with 0.2 seconds on the clock. Duval coolly sank the first two free throws to tie the game at 105 and, after a Tarleton State technical foul, made the third to secure the dramatic 106-105 victory. The final possession for the Texans ended with a missed layup as time expired.

The game was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. Southern Utah won despite attempting 11 fewer field goals than Tarleton State. The Thunderbirds’ advantage came at the free-throw line, where they made 31 of 42 attempts compared to Tarleton State’s 21 of 28, and from beyond the arc, hitting 13 3-pointers to the Texans’ eight. Tarleton State dominated inside, scoring 54 points in the paint to Southern Utah’s 36, and forced 18 turnovers, but it was not enough to overcome the Thunderbirds’ late poise.

Johnson’s 40-point effort for Tarleton State was complemented by 24 points from Camron McDowell of Griffin, Georgia. For Southern Utah, a balanced attack proved decisive. Tanner Hayhurst of Eagle, Idaho, led the way with 20 points and four assists in 42 minutes, while Jones added 22 points, fueled by a 6-for-13 shooting night from 3-point range. Jaiden Feroah of Draper, Utah, provided 17 points off the bench, and Jalen Lee of Atlanta contributed 14 points, including several key baskets in the second half and overtime.

The first half set a frantic offensive pace, with Southern Utah taking a 52-44 lead into the break behind hot 3-point shooting. The Thunderbirds maintained that lead for much of the second half until Johnson and McDowell ignited the Texans’ charge, setting the stage for the frantic finish.

Southern Utah will look to build on the momentum when it hosts Abilene Christian on Saturday. Tarleton State, meanwhile, will aim to regroup quickly for a road game at Utah Tech the same day. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Cedar City on Feb. 7.