Tigers escape Webb, dominate late for thrilling OT victory

Patience and discipline paid major dividends for the Nevada Tigers in the headline game of the 4-State Challenge, as they defeated the Webb City Cardinals City 61-53 in an overtime thriller Saturday night.

Trailing Webb 49-45 the Tigers stormed back late in regulation, junior Matt Thompson knotted the contest 53-53 with a trey from the left wing with 1:35 remaining. The Cardinals elected to hold for the final shot. Webb’s strategy didn’t pan out, as the host-team failed to get off a shot, turning the ball over with 3 seconds showing on the clock. Nevada forward Clay Gayman was then able to get up an off-target half-court heave, as time expired — sending the game to overtime.

Nevada (8-1) dominated the extra session, outscoring Webb 8-0, as Webb misfired on all four of its extra session free throw attempts. For the Tigers, Gayman finished with a game-high 24 points. Thompson, who poured in 11 fourth quarter points, including a pair of critical 3-pointers, concluded with 20.

See Tuesday’s edition of the Daily Mail for full story