Eagles Defeat Owls in Last-Second Thriller

FULTON, Mo. - The Eagles defeated the William Woods Owls 61-59 for their first conference win of the 2020-21 season in a game that went down to the wire.

The Eagles had a slow start to the game that saw them facing a 32-26 deficit at halftime. The Eagles were able to make strides at the beginning of the second half, but could never find a way to take the lead. In fact, the Eagles weren't able to take the lead until there was 2:17 left in the game, when Shackeel Butters (SR/Freeport, Bahamas) hit two free throws that gave them a one-point lead.

The Owls took a one-point lead off a pair of free-throws of their own moments later. Then Butters hit a basket to give the Eagles the lead again with .19 seconds left. On the next defensive possesion, Nash Davis (JR/Paragould, Ark.) was able to draw a charge to give the Eagles the ball back. Upon inbounds, Davis was fouled and went to the line for two shots, where he made one to give the Eagels a two point lead. The Eagles were able to force a turnover from the Owls to end the game.

Cortez King (SR/Chicago, Ill.) led all scorers with 20 points. Shackeel Butters was also in double figures with 16 points.

Butters was also one rebound away from a double-double.

Up Next

The Eagles next travel to Hannibal, Mo., to take on conference opponent Hannibal-LaGrange on Saturday, Jan. 9. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m.