Led by a double-double effort from first-year forward Kevin Bercy, the StFX X-Men (5-3) rallied for a thrilling 109-106 double-overtime win over the UPEI Panthers (3-5) Saturday night in AUS basketball action at Oland Centre in Antigonish.
As part of a 27-point effort, Bercy drained six out of six free throws in the extra sessions, including a pair with five seconds remaining in the first overtime, which extended the game for five more minutes.
"It is a big win for us. It gives us a winning record heading into the Christmas break," Bercy said after the game. The Kanata, Ont. native added 19 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive glass, one assist and one steal in a monster effort.
Will Donkoh contributed 22 points, including a game-tying three-pointer with 38 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.
He also added the game-winning lay-up, off one of Jameel Williamson's nine assists, with six seconds remaining in the second overtime.
Donkoh, a fifth-year senior guard, added seven rebounds, four assists, one steal and one blocked shot.
Rodrigo Madera and Jordan Clarke added 17 points apiece.
Off the bench, forward Shane Coupland added 10 points and seven rebounds for the X-Men.
"It was a crazy game but we did what we had to do to get the win," Bercy said.
Deontay Smith led the Panthers with a game-high 30 points, while adding six rebounds, five assists, one steal and one blocked shot.
Former X-Man Ellis Ffrench chipped in 17 points, while Brian Ofori added 15 off the bench.
Geoff Doane, with 11, Donathan Moss (10) and William Ceasar (10) also scored in double digits for the Panthers.
With the victory, the X-Men (5-3) pick up an important four points in the AUS standings and heading into the Christmas break sit in a tie for third place with Acadia (5-2), each with 12 points apiece.
UNB (6-1) and Saint Mary's (6-2) are tied for first, each with 14 points.
Before resuming AUS regular season play in the New Year, the X-Men will compete in the Dalhousie Rod Shoveller exhibition tournament January 2-4.
-30-