FORT MYERS, Fla. (Interstat) — In a game defined by grit and missed opportunities, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles outlasted the Central Arkansas Bears 75-71 in overtime Saturday in an ASUN Conference men’s basketball clash at Alico Arena.

The victory, sealed by clutch free throws from Isaiah Malone in the final seconds of the extra period, snapped a three-game winning streak for Central Arkansas and avenged a two-point home loss to the Bears earlier in the season.

Central Arkansas, which entered the contest with the better record and as a slight pregame favorite, fought back from a sluggish start and a nine-point second-half deficit to force overtime. The Bears were led by a heroic performance from guard Camren Hunter, who scored a game-high 24 points, including four crucial free throws in the final minute of regulation to tie the score at 63-63.

The game’s pivotal sequence came in the closing seconds of the second half. With the score tied, Central Arkansas had a chance to win in regulation but committed a shot clock violation with 34 seconds left. Florida Gulf Coast’s JR Konieczny then missed two free throws with five seconds remaining, giving the Bears one final look. A foul sent Truman Byrne to the line for a one-and-one with three seconds left, but he missed the front end, sending the game to an extra period tied at 63.

Overtime was a tense, back-and-forth affair. Hunter’s driving layup gave Central Arkansas a 68-65 lead with three minutes left, but the Eagles responded. A corner 3-pointer from Darren Williams, who had been quiet offensively, tied the game at 68. After two more Hunter free throws put the Bears up 70-68, Florida Gulf Coast’s Jordan Ellerbee answered with a deep 3-pointer to reclaim a 71-70 lead with 42 seconds remaining.

Central Arkansas’s next possession ended in a turnover, and Ellerbee finished a fast break with a dunk off a Rahmir Barno assist to extend the lead to 73-70. The Bears’ Ty Robinson was fouled on a 3-point attempt with four seconds left and made the first two free throws, cutting the deficit to 73-71. He intentionally missed the third, but Malone secured the defensive rebound and was fouled. The 6-foot-8 forward from LaGrange, Indiana, calmly sank both free throws with two seconds left to ice the game.

The contest was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. Florida Gulf Coast dominated inside, outscoring Central Arkansas 42-24 in the paint and holding a 21-10 advantage in fastbreak points. The Eagles shot 30 of 70 from the field but struggled from distance, making just 8 of 30 3-point attempts. Central Arkansas was colder overall, shooting 23 of 61, and relied heavily on the 3-pointer, making 11 of 32.

Ellerbee led the Eagles with 23 points, while Barno added 13 points and five assists. Malone finished with 10 points, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks, with his final rebounds and free throws proving decisive.

For Central Arkansas, Hunter’s 24 points were supplemented by 12 points and 11 rebounds from Ty Robinson for a double-double. Cole McCormick just missed one of his own with nine points and nine rebounds.

The loss drops Central Arkansas to 18-11 overall, while Florida Gulf Coast improves to 14-15. Both teams continue ASUN play next week, with the Bears traveling to face Austin Peay and the Eagles heading to North Florida.

The most critical phase of the game was the final minute of regulation and the entirety of the overtime period. Central Arkansas, having clawed back from a significant deficit, had multiple chances to win or seize control but was undone by a critical shot clock violation and missed free throws. Florida Gulf Coast, conversely, made the necessary plays when it mattered most, with Ellerbee’s late three and Malone’s composure at the line ultimately determining the outcome in a game where neither team could sustain consistent offensive execution.