Buena Vista, VA – The Southern Virginia University men's basketball team thrilled the home crowd in their home opener, defeating Shenandoah University 72-70 in overtime. The game was marked by heart-stopping moments, back-and-forth action, and a relentless effort on the glass.

The Knights started slow, committing three turnovers in the first two and a half minutes, allowing the Hornets to jump out to an 8-2 lead. Southern Virginia's offensive struggles continued early, shooting just 14.3% from behind the arc and 28.6% from the field in the first half.

However, the Knights found their footing, with Kade Harrick and Collin Griffith each hitting crucial three-pointers, and Eli Ballstaedt sinking four free throws to tie the game at 16. Despite tying the score, Southern Virginia didn't retake the lead until late in the half when they went up 24-23. The tightly contested matchup saw the Knights trailing at halftime but carrying momentum into the second period.

The second half began with a spark, as Tyler Kartchner's defensive block fueled an early run capped by Griffith's third three-pointer of the game. Southern Virginia battled Shenandoah in a game of exchanged leads, but frequent fouls put the Hornets in the bonus with six minutes remaining. Kartchner anchored the team with relentless defense, earning another double-double on the night. However, the Knights' shooting woes persisted, finishing the game at 32.4%.

Despite the challenges, the Knights dominated the offensive glass in the second half, grabbing 11 offensive rebounds to Shenandoah's two. Down two with 9.7 seconds left, the Knights turned to Ballstaedt, whose three-point attempt missed, but Kartchner secured the rebound and scored with 3.9 seconds remaining to tie the game. DJ Green then made a crucial steal, but his shot attempt hit the backboard, and Tillman Johnson's follow-up came just after the buzzer, forcing overtime.

In overtime, Kartchner opened with a quick bucket, and Green extended the lead with a three-pointer to put the Knights up by five. Shenandoah fought back to tie the game with 20 seconds left, but Johnson hit a clutch follow-up shot to secure the 72-70 victory.

Game Highlights:

• The game featured 11 ties and 10 lead changes.

• The Knights out-rebounded the Hornets 47-35, with a dominant presence on the glass.

• Kartchner led the team with a monster double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

• Johnson contributed a double-double as well, finishing with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

• Ballstaedt added 16 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double of his own.

• The Knights shot 34.5% from the field and 24.1% from three, compared to Shenandoah's 42.6% and 30.8%, respectively. 

• The Hornets attempted 25 free throws but converted just 64%, while the Knights only had eight attempts from the line.

Southern Virginia now looks ahead to their next game, hosting Washington and Lee University on Tuesday, November 26th, at 2:00 PM. The Generals hold a 7-1 all-time lead in the series dating back to 2002, and the Knights will aim to snap W&L's two-game winning streak.

For all the most up-to-date information regarding Southern Virginia University men's basketball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_hoops on Instagram.