Darrell Patterson scored 19 points to lead five Trojans in double-figures, but host UNC Pembroke rallied late in regulation and pulled away in overtime to hand Mount Olive a 96-89 setback Tuesday night in Pembroke, N.C.
Jordan McCain added 16 for Mount Olive (1-5), while Dory Hines chipped in 15. The Trojans also got big contributions from their bench. Kendall Hargrove reached double-figures for the third consecutive contest, while Mahamed Ibrahim matched a season high with 13.
The Trojans led much of regulation after falling behind early. Mount Olive missed seven of its first eight shots from the field in falling behind by five early. Hines got the Trojans' offense in gear with three consecutive baskets. Moments later, a three-pointer by Patterson gave the Trojans their first lead, 19-18, with eight minutes left in the first half.
The Trojans used that momentum to go on a 19-6 run that exended their lead to 35-22 in the final moments before intermission.
Mount Olive still held a 70-60 cushion when the Braves (5-3) made their move. McCain's three-point play with 6:46 left in regulation fended off a UNC Pembroke spurt, but the Braves responded with a 15-5 spurt that tied the game 75-75. Hines put his team ahead again with a lay-up with 2:10 left, but the Trojans missed their final three attempts from the floor.
A jumper from Quamain Rose tied the game at 77-77 with 17 seconds remaining. An offensive foul by Mount Olive with three seconds left in regulation gave the Eagles one final chance, but Shamel Brackett's jumper at the buzzer was off-target.
In the extra session, Hargrove made a pair of jumpers early, but UNC Pembroke never trailed. Ben Jacobs and Rose made a pair of free throws apiece in the final 31 seconds to put the game away.
Rose led all scorers with 26 points.
Mount Olive returns to action Saturday afternoon when the Trojans travel to Hartsville, S.C. for a 4 p.m. contest against Conference Carolinas rival Coker.