Lawrence Reporter

Haskell Downs Navajo Tech In OT

 The Haskell Indian Nations University men's basketball team defeated Navajo Technical University, 94-91, in Coffin Sports Complex on Saturday evening.

Haskell came out on fire at the start of the first minute of the game with Center, Matt Anderson hitting a 3 point shot seconds after tip off. Haskell maintained that fire in the first half keeping the lead and had an overall 10 point lead over Navajo Tech in the final minutes of the first half. Haskell went into the lockerroom leading Navajo Tech 47-41. 

The Skyhawks and the Fightin' Indians would continue tough competition throughout the second half with Haskell only leading by a few points. Navajo Tech finally made some traction and cut into the Haskell lead, tying the game at 77 all on a jumper goal by Brady Ramon with approximately 4 minutes remaining. Tate' Bear responded with a layup, only for Christian Martin to respond back with a jumper from just inside the 3 point line to tie the score again at 79. 

The score would be tied at 79 for a few minutes until Guard, Bansi King made a layup, returning the lead to Haskell with a minute and a half left in the game. But just moments later a foul on Haskell's Masen Spoonhunter gave Navajo Tech the opportunity to tie the score yet again at 81. With the pressure on, the Skyhawks' Christian Martin would make another layup to take the lead with 46 seconds left in the game. A quick response by Haskell's Trey Gaines with a layup would bring the game back to a tie at 83. Navajo Tech has the last possession with 20 seconds on the clock, the shot clock is no longer running at this point and it's all down to the final moments. The Skyhawks' Rich Serrano goes up for the layup and is rejected by a crucial block made by Trey Gaines to bring the game into overtime. 

For the first time this season Haskell would go into overtime on their home court. With only five minutes on the clock, the remainder of the game would continue it's intensity and nothing short of pure adrenaline and athleticism would be displayed. As they in the first, Haskell responded within the first minute of overtime with a three point shot made by Bansi King to take a three point lead at 86-83. Navajo Tech would then respond with a layup and the Skyhawks would made the mistake of fouling Guard, Tate' Bear; who increased the Skyhawks deficit by 2 additional points, 88-83. Navajo Tech and Haskell would then battle it out point for point and change the lead in Navajo Tech's favor one last time. But with 13 second remaining, Guard, Bansi King hit a 3 point shot from the left side taking the lead from Navajo Tech 93-91. 

In the Skyhawks' attempt to maintain possession a foul was called against Rich Serrano, bringing Bansi King back to the free throw line for Haskell to make their final shot and end the game with a win 94-91. 

BOX SCORE: https://naiastats.prestosports.com/sports/mbkb/2022-23/boxscores/20230128_ibg3.xml?view=boxscore

Original source can be found here.