Men’s basketball loses in overtime

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A see-saw battle finally ended with Charlotte winning 77-75 over Central Michigan in double overtime Tuesday night at McGuirk Arena.

The 49ers were fighting off CMU comebacks all night. The Chippewas tied the game twice with under five seconds left, sending the game into overtime and double overtime.

Forward Zach Saylor hit a game-tying shot with the clock running out in the first overtime for his first two points of the game.

Trey Zeigler finished with a game-high 22 points and 11 rebounds, but was 4-of-11 from the free-throw line. He had a chance to win it in regulation, but only made 1 of 2 free throws with five seconds left.

As a team, CMU was 13-of-25 from the free-throw line. CMU’s offense didn’t find its groove until the second half.

Down 36-39 its offense finally woke up. Guard Derek Jackson hit his third 3-pointer, tying the game at 39, propelling the offense to an 18-3 run.

Charlotte came out of the locker room clicking on all cylinders. CMU shot 0-for-7 from the field in the first five minutes of the game. Stagnant offense helped the 49ers build a 12-0 lead to start the game.

Sloppy turnovers led to easy Charlotte baskets as CMU committed nine turnovers in the first half. The 49ers led 28-27 at halftime.

Forward Andre Coimbra fouled out late in the second half. He finished with seven points, five rebounds an assist and three blocks. Forward Olivier Mbaigoto also fouled out with six points and eight rebounds.

Charlotte guard Javarris Barnett accounted for 17 points and 12 rebounds.

CMU travels to Malibu, Calif. to face Pepperdine on Monday.