NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Thiel College men's basketball team lost a non-conference matchup to the Southern Virginia Knights, 89-85, in double overtime to conclude play in the Buzz Ridl Classic hosted by Westminster.
 
This is first time Thiel has played in a double overtime game since December 10, 2016, when the Tomcats defeated the Geneva Golden Tornadoes 79-76.
 
The Tomcats held a 35-21 advantage at halftime, but the Knights would storm back in the second half, including the game-tying shot from Malakai Olson as the buzzer sounded.
The Tomcats led by as many as seven in the first overtime, but the Knights would come back and force a second overtime.
 
In the second overtime, the Knights led by as many as seven, not allowing the Tomcats to get the lead.
 
For the Tomcats, Ahmad Tejumola (Waldorf, Md./Saint Charles) recorded his second consecutive double-double, recording 14 points and 12 rebounds. Marlon Ellerbee (Temple Hills, Md./Oxon Hill) led the Tomcats with 20 points and three assists. Ethan Barnes (Boynton Beach, Fla./Suncoast) and Mike Brown (Clinton, Md./Gwynn Park) also recorded double-digit scoring with 12 and 11 points, respectively. 
 
For the Knights, Shaun Kenedy led the team with 31 points. Koa Baker and Abe Connolly both recorded double-doubles. 
 
The Tomcats held the advantage in points in the paint (40-28) and shot 45% from the field.
 
The Tomcats are back in action on Wednesday when they travel to Geneva to open Presidents' Athletic Conference play. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.