DENMARK, S.C. — Voorhees University used clutch free-throw shooting and a late surge in overtime to edge the University of the Virgin Islands 85-81 on Jan. 12 at the Leonard E. Dawson Health and Human Resources Center.

Rydarius Hill delivered the decisive points in the extra session, converting a go-ahead layup with 2:16 remaining to put the Tigers ahead 80-77, then knocking down a free throw with 10 seconds left for the final margin. Voorhees, which shot 71.8% (28 of 39) from the foul line, leaned on timely trips to the stripe in overtime to close out a back-and-forth contest that was deadlocked at the end of regulation.

Tim Smith paced the Tigers with a game-high 20 points, going 5-for-9 from the field and 9-for-11 at the line in 27 minutes. Back court mate Xavier Finney added 17 points, including a game tying shot to send the game into overtime 77-77, and chipped in three assists and three steals while protecting the ball with no turnovers. Behind that guard tandem, Voorhees finished at 49.1% shooting from the floor and assisted on 14 of its 27 made field goals.

Virgin Islands carried control for long stretches and appeared poised to steal the road win. The visitors led 36-32 after the first quarter, sparked by a late 3-pointer from Evik Amy, and pushed the margin to double digits in the second quarter. But the Tigers closed the half with a critical push, capped when Finney drove for a layup with three seconds left to tie the game 73-73 at the halftime buzzer.

Defense tightened after the break, as both teams combined for just 21 points in the third quarter, setting the stage for a tense finish. Virgin Islands struck first in overtime when Brandon Rasmussen's layup at 4:47 gave the visitors a 75-73 edge, and a bucket from Khari Person extended the lead to 77-75 at the 3:51 mark. Voorhees responded with stops on the defensive end and steady free-throw shooting, beginning with Finney's pair at 3:34 and continuing through Hill's late heroics.

Virgin Islands was led by a balanced trio: Rasmussen scored 17 points on 7-for-15 shooting with seven rebounds and four assists, Sebastian Dokum matched him with 17 points and nine boards, and Chad Molloy added 14 points and seven rebounds. The visitors' aggression produced 35 free-throw attempts, but they converted just 60.0% at the line (21 of 35), a key difference as Voorhees capitalized more consistently on its chances in the closing minutes.

Voorhees also received a major boost from its reserves, who outscored the Virgin Islands bench 43-18, helping the Tigers overcome a 32-29 deficit on the glass and 16 turnovers. Although the Tigers are on a three game winning streak, they look towards their next opponent Oakwood University as they head to Huntsville, AL to keep the streak going. Tigers Men's Basketball, highlighting late-game composure and depth as the team continues its 2025-26 campaign trending in the right direction.

About Voorhees University:  Founded in 1897 by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, Voorhees University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Episcopal Church and the United Negro College Fund. Driven by a mission to cultivate well-rounded graduates who integrate intellect and faith, the university emphasizes lifelong learning, healthy living, societal betterment, and a strong belief in God. Voorhees University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. More details are available at the Voorhees website (www.voorhees.edu). Questions about the accreditation of Voorhees University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org)