HAMILTON, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined by its final frantic seconds and a singular, clutch performance, Jalen Cox lifted Colgate to a dramatic 80-79 overtime victory over Boston University in a Patriot League men’s basketball thriller on Saturday at Cotterell Court.

The most important sequence of the afternoon unfolded in the waning moments of the extra period, with the score knotted at 78. After Colgate’s Sam Wright gave the Raiders a two-point lead with a layup with 39 seconds left, Boston University’s Chance Gladden answered immediately, driving for a layup to tie the game at 80 with 23 seconds remaining.

Colgate called timeout to set up a final play. Out of the huddle, the ball found its way to Cox, the Raiders’ leading scorer. The junior guard from Los Angeles, isolated near the top of the key, used a screen and drove left. With the clock ticking down, he pulled up from just inside the free-throw line and sank a smooth jump shot with 10 seconds left, putting Colgate ahead 80-78.

Boston University had one final chance. The Terriers inbounded and worked the ball to Gladden, who attacked the rim. His driving layup attempt was met and cleanly blocked by Colgate’s Kyle Carlesimo with four seconds left. The ball caromed out of bounds off a Boston University player, but only 0.4 seconds remained. The Terriers’ desperation inbound heave was not successful, sealing the one-point victory for the home team.

That final shot was the culmination of a stellar afternoon for Cox, who finished with 23 points and five assists, including 14 points after halftime. He scored Colgate’s final six points in regulation to force overtime and added the decisive basket in the extra session. His performance was critical in overcoming a resilient Boston University team that led for much of the contest.

The Terriers, fueled by 25 points from Chance Gladden and 20 from Michael McNair, controlled the first half and took a 30-27 lead into the break. They extended their advantage to as many as nine points early in the second half, capitalizing on Colgate turnovers to build a cushion.

Colgate chipped away, relying on efficient offense. The Raiders shot 50% from the field for the game and made 9 of 19 three-point attempts. Sam Wright provided a major boost with 22 points, including three makes from beyond the arc, while Andrew Alekseyenko added 10 points and seven rebounds.

Boston University’s interior presence, 7-foot center Ben Defty, was a force with 17 points and six rebounds, but the Terriers were ultimately undone by a stark disparity on the offensive glass. Colgate grabbed 10 offensive rebounds leading to 14 second-chance points, while Boston University managed only two offensive boards. The Raiders also posted a more efficient offensive rating of 108.5 points per 100 possessions compared to Boston University’s 102.8.

The game featured 13 lead changes and 10 ties. Colgate improved to 12-9 overall, while Boston University fell to 8-13. The outcome defied the tense, back-and-forth nature of the final ten minutes, where neither team led by more than three points.

Boston University had opportunities at the foul line to create separation but shot 20 of 27. Colgate attempted only 12 free throws, making seven. Both teams committed a nearly identical number of turnovers and steals.

The victory gives Colgate momentum as it heads into the heart of the Patriot League schedule. For Boston University, it was another heartbreakingly close defeat in a season that has seen several, including two other overtime losses in January.

The teams are scheduled to meet again in Boston on Monday, Feb. 16.