FREDERICK, Md.—The Hood College men's basketball team (10-8, 4-7 Commonwealth) was defeated by conference rival Stevenson University (10-7, 4-7 Commonwealth) 66-64 in an exhilarating game that needed overtime to decide the outcome. Stevenson was able to salvage a split between the two games this season and the loss left Hood looking for answers in what is now their third straight conference defeat.

Hood's backcourt trio of Cameron Cook, Justin Bowens and Matt Galloway all scored 11 points in the losing effort. Stevenson had two players with a double-double in Stefon McCray and Brad Burrier. McCray had 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Burrier dropped 18 points and hauled in ten boards.

The game was one that went down to the wire and had a very dramatic finish to regulation and overtime. The first half did not see too much offense as both teams struggled to find the basket.

That would change in the second half with both teams showing plenty of grit.

Bowens, who didn't score in the first half, scored seven quick points to start the second half and give Hood its largest lead of the game at nine points. The momentum would then take a drastic turn, as Stevenson went on a 14-0 run that stretched over five minutes. The Mustangs were able to turn a 35-26 deficit into a 40-35 lead.

Junior forward Jeremy Veres halted the run with a layup, although McCray would answer and Stevenson would take its largest lead of the game at 44-37 with 10:34 remaining. Hood would respond though and a three point play by senior forward Justin Stone tied the game at 46 with 7:44 remaining.

Burrier then hit a big three for Stevenson and got fouled in the process. Burrier did not hit the free throw, however three straight Tyrus Costly points gave the Mustangs a 52-46 lead with just 5:00 remaining.

The Blazers showed resilience though, as Cook hit two three's and Galloway hit a three to give Hood its first lead in almost 14 minutes. Galloway would hit another layup after a nice inbounds play from the under the basket. Galloway slipped nicely to the weak side and was supplied with a good pass by Trey Quinn that resulted in an easy finish. McCray though would hit two free throws and Burrier hit a layup and drew a foul with 36.0 seconds remaining. 

Burrier would miss the free throw so the Mustangs were forced to foul. Junior guard Terell Buyck hit the front end of the one and one, but was unable to get the second free throw to fall leaving the door open for Stevenson. McCray would take advantage and hit a tough layup to tie the game with 6.0 seconds remaining. Hood was unable to get its final shot to fall and would be resigned to overtime for the third time this season.

Hood got the extra session off right with a Stone layup to give them the early two point advantage. Stevenson then caught a bit of a break with a Christian Roberts air ball landing right in the hands of Tyrus Costly, who proceeded to dunk the ball with authority. McCray and Burrier both hit jumpers on Stevenson's next two possessions to give the Mustangs a 64-60 advantage.

Bowens would then hit a crucial layup at the 1:30 mark to bring Hood to within two at 64-62. Costly then hit one of two from the line and senior Trey Quinn did the same with 51.0 seconds remaining. Hood then played good defense and forced a McCray miss to have a chance to tie or take the lead. 

Quinn got fouled with 5.0 seconds remaining on a nice drive by to get to the rim. Quinn was only able to split his two free throw attempts and Hood had to foul immediately. Burrier then missed his first free throw attempt, but sunk his second to give Stevenson a 66-64 lead with just 4.6 seconds remaining. Bowens then attempted a last gasp three to win the game that was just long, as the ball hit off the back of the rim ending a wild ride at BB&T Arena.

Hood returns to action this Saturday when they host Arcadia University in the team's third straight home contest. The game is set to begin at 3 p.m.