Jan. 25, 2003

Box Score

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State won a 103-93 overtime thriller at Saginaw Valley State on Saturday to earn a GLIAC victory. Freshman Courtney James knocked down the game tying three with no time left in regulation to force the extra session and then scored nine points in the overtime to get the Lakers the win. GVSU led by as many as 19 in the first half but SVSU controlled much of the second half. The Cardinals regained the lead with a 15-0 run and led by three with 14 seconds left. The Lakers missed their first shot to tie, but Nate Bassett pulled down the rebound and kicked it out to James to force overtime. Grand Valley opened up OT with three's by Al Mans and James and hit their free throws down the stretch to earn the win. GVSU improves to 9-9 on the year and 4-6 in conference action.

It was the second time in five games James has given the Lakers a chance to win by forcing overtime. James did it two weeks ago at Ashland when he hit three free throws with two seconds left to tie the score. The Lakers went on to win 97-89.

Senior Jason Bauer led the Lakers with 25 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out in regulation. James ended up with 19 points, including 3 of 4 from behind the arc. Eric Voison scored 18 points and added 7 rebounds. Justen Naughton and Al Mans were also in double-digits with 13 and 11, respectively.

GVSU will return to Allendale for a four game homestand that begins on Thursday, Jan. 30, against Northern Michigan at 8:00 pm.