Senior guard Malcolm Smith’s late-game heroics was not enough to lead Kentucky State University men’s basketball to victory against the SIAC West Division leader Lane College on Monday night, as the Thorobreds fell 88-87 in double overtime to the Dragons.
Smith led all scorers with a season-high 40 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to notch his third double-double of the season while sophomore forward David Jelks recorded 22 points and 13 boards, both career highs.
Smith took control for the Thorobreds in the first half, scoring 19 points off an impressive 7-of-12 from the floor to erase an early double-digit deficit to give the home squad a 41-33 lead at the break.
The Dragons fought back in the second half, outscoring KSU 37-29. Lane owned a 70-67 lead over the Thorobreds with time winding down. Smith broke free from two defenders to bank in a 35-foot jumper at the buzzer to force overtime.
Smith had ice in his veins in the extra period for the Thorobreds, nailing a three-pointer with 23 seconds left to tie the contest at 80 apiece, forcing a second overtime.
With under a second left in double overtime Smith fell short on two-of-three free throws to end the game at 88-87.
KSU will be on the road as they visit Lemoyne-Owen College for a 5:30 p.m. SIAC Conference game on Saturday.
by Eric Matthews
