American defeats Lafayette 60-59 in OT

Feb 17, 2017, 10:07 pm

WASHINGTON -- Charlie Jones hit a 3 and made 1 of 2 free throws in the final minute to lift American past Lafayette 60-59 in overtime on Wednesday night.

Jesse Reed scored 15 points and collected nine rebounds to lead American (8-18, 6-9 Patriot League).

Zach Rufer hit a 3 for Lafayette to put the Leopards on top 59-56 with 1:18 to play in the extra session before Jones buried his only 3-point attempt of the game.

Rufer then fouled Jones who sank the game-winning free throw after missing the first attempt. Rufer's desperation heave was off the mark.

At the end of regulation, Marko Vasic hit a jumper to cut Lafayette's lead to 53-51 then sank two free throws to tie it with 21 seconds left. Nick Lindner missed a jumper for the Leopards with seven seconds to play.

Matt Klinewski scored 18 points and Rufer added 14 for Lafayette (5-21, 2-13).