Timberwolves Falter in Overtime

The Timberwolves went into Schenectady with a lot of confidence, but couldn't quite get their shooting on track in their road contest at Schenectady. Shea Irish continued to be ice cold, despite taking great shots all day and the offense failed to capitalize on point blank shots and wide open jumpers which allowed the Royals to stay in the game and eventually steal a victory.

The Timberwolves fell beyond by 8 points out of the gate and maintained that deficit for much of the first half, before closing the gap to 4 going into the locker room. They struggled to find offense in the first half as only 3 people scored and 13 of their 24 were scored by Mike Tillman. The Timberwolves would take their first lead of the game with 8 minutes to play on a spectacular in/out set between Demani Smith and Cam Jett. Smith drew the defenders into the post and kicked it out to a waiting Jett who drilled a three to give his team a lead. They fought back and forth threw the final 8 minutes, but the Royals would capitalize on a couple key turnovers under 2 minutes to keep the game close and hit a big three point field goal in the final 20 seconds of regulation to tie the game at 59. The Timberwolves had a chance to win on a final shot attempt, but a turnover ended their possession and sent the game into overtime.

The overtime period was all Royals as Demani Smith fouled out early in the period and Schenectady went on an 8 point run that would seal the contest, despite some late fireworks that kept the contest within 2 possessions. The Royals won the period 20 to 11 to take a 9 point victory.

Demani Smith put up a double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds while his teammate Cam Jett put up his first double-double of his intercollegiate career with 15 points and 10 assists. Mike Tillman led the team in scoring with 18 points and was red hot from the floor, shooting 6 of 12 and 4 of 9 from beyond the arc. He chipped in 2 of 2 from the charity stripe. Jordan Green was also on target going 5 of 8 from the floor and 3 of 5 from deep for 13 points. 

The Timberwolves next play at home on Wednesday against Clinton.