In a thrilling encounter in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chase Forte emerged as the hero for South Dakota, as his 14-point contribution paved the way for the Coyotes to clinch a narrow 75-74 victory over Oral Roberts on Saturday night. The nail-biting finish saw Forte calmly sink a crucial free throw with merely three seconds on the clock, sealing the victory for his team. Oral Roberts' final attempt to snatch the win faltered when Issac McBride missed a desperate three-point shot, much to South Dakota's relief.
Forte's all-around effort extended beyond his scoring; he also collected eight rebounds, showcasing his value to the Coyotes (15-10, 6-4 Summit League). Team support was evident as Paul Bruns chipped in with 11 points, demonstrating accuracy from the free-throw line by sinking four out of five attempts. Bruns also matched Forte's eight rebounds and contributed with three steals, disrupting Oral Roberts' offensive strategies.
Meanwhile, Isaac Bruns added depth to the Coyotes' squad, adding nine points despite a challenging shooting night, making only three of his twelve attempts. While his perimeter shooting was off the mark, contributing only one out of six attempts, his persistence was noteworthy.
On the opposite end, the Golden Eagles (6-17, 2-8) found a standout performer in Issac McBride, who impressively led in scoring with 24 points. His offensive creativity and shooting prowess kept Oral Roberts within striking distance throughout the game. Complementing McBride's efforts, JoJo Moore added 12 points and showcased defensive abilities with seven rebounds and two blocks, thwarting several of South Dakota's advances. Darius Robinson Jr. rounded off the scoring list with 11 points, adding solidity to the Golden Eagles' scoring efforts.
This closely contested match was a testament to the competitive spirit within the Summit League. Both teams exhibited tenacity and skill, trading leads throughout the game. South Dakota, demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline, capitalized on crucial moments to edge out the win. As the Coyotes look ahead, this victory marks an essential step in bolstering their standings in the league. Conversely, Oral Roberts will seek to regroup and address critical areas to convert tight contests into wins in future matchups.
The match, rich in intensity and close calls, is a highlight reel of the exciting, unpredictable nature of college basketball, where every possession counts and every free throw has the potential to alter the outcome profoundly.