HOUSTON (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and resilience, the Southeastern Louisiana Lions outlasted the Houston Christian Huskies 74-71 in overtime on Saturday afternoon in a Southland Conference men’s basketball clash at Sharp Gymnasium.

The Lions, who led for over 36 minutes of regulation, saw a nine-point second-half advantage evaporate and needed a clutch jumper from Peter Hemschemeier with 27 seconds left in overtime to secure the road victory. The win improved Southeastern Louisiana to 4-6 overall, while Houston Christian fell to 5-5.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute of regulation and the opening possessions of overtime. With the score tied at 66 and under 10 seconds to play in the second half, Houston Christian’s Trent Johnson connected on a deep 3-pointer, seemingly handing the Huskies a dramatic win. However, after a lengthy review, officials determined Johnson’s foot was on the line, reducing the basket to a 2-pointer and sending the game to overtime tied at 66.

The Huskies carried the momentum from that emotional swing into the extra period, scoring the first five points. Demarco Bethea’s layup, assisted by Kylin Green, gave Houston Christian a 71-68 lead with 3:33 remaining. From that point, the Huskies’ offense went silent, failing to score for the remainder of the game.

Southeastern Louisiana’s defense tightened, and the Lions chipped away. Ethan Pickett sank two free throws to cut the deficit to one. Following a Houston Christian turnover, Isaiah Gaines finished a dunk off a steal to put the Lions back in front 72-71. After multiple empty possessions from both sides, Hemschemeier, the Lions’ leading scorer with 14 points, hit a decisive pull-up jumper from the elbow to extend the lead to three with 27 seconds left.

Houston Christian had two final chances to tie. Kylin Green’s 3-point attempt missed, and after securing the offensive rebound, Elijah Brooks was fouled on a 3-point attempt with 3 seconds left. Brooks missed the first free throw, and after intentionally missing the second, the Lions secured the rebound to seal the win.

The game was a statistical mirror for much of regulation. Both teams scored 36 points in a fast-paced first half and added 30 more in the second. Southeastern Louisiana’s edge came from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. The Lions shot 8 for 20 from 3-point range and 18 for 25 from the stripe, while Houston Christian was 7 for 22 from deep and 12 for 18 on free throws.

Southeastern Louisiana’s defensive pressure was also a factor, forcing 16 Huskies turnovers and converting them into key transition opportunities. The Lions recorded 11 steals, with Hemschemeier and Jeremy Elyzee applying constant pressure.

Elyzee led all scorers with 17 points for the Lions, adding a crucial block late in regulation. Hemschemeier finished with 14 points, including two critical baskets in overtime. Isaiah Gaines provided a strong interior presence with 12 points, two blocks, and a game-high 39 minutes. CJ Booker also added 12 points.

Houston Christian was led by a trio of scorers. Elijah Brooks, Trent Johnson, and Ryan Bartley each tallied 17 points. Brooks added two steals, while Johnson hit four 3-pointers. Kylin Green facilitated the offense with a game-high 10 assists but was hampered by 3-for-10 shooting and five turnovers.

The Lions opened the game on a 7-0 run and maintained a lead until the Huskies used a 13-2 surge late in the first half to briefly go ahead. Southeastern Louisiana responded and took a 45-36 lead early in the second half, but Houston Christian’s persistent defense and timely shooting, led by Johnson, methodically erased the gap to set the stage for the frantic finish.

Southeastern Louisiana returns to action Monday at home against Texas A&M-Commerce. Houston Christian will also play Monday, hosting McNeese State.