ORU's Markius Barnes scored a game-high 31 points and was a thorn in YSU's side all evening. Barnes scored 24 points in the second half en route to a career-high night. YSU forced a steal and on the ensuing possession, Desmond Harrison was fouled by Matt Gastel with 50 seconds left. Harrison missed the first free throw, but made the second to trim the lead to 71-70. After a missed shot by Oral Roberts, YSU had an opportunity to take the lead, but a layup attempt by Andrew Hannan was just short.
Barnes rebound and was fouled.
He converted both free throws. YSU's last attempt to force overtime came on a 3-point attempt by Rafael Cruz at the buzzer, but his shot from 24 feet bounced off the rim. Cruz led the Penguins with 16 points off the bench to be one of four players in double figures. Senior Craig Haese scored 14 points, Anderson had 12 and Harrison finished with 10 rebounds and seven points. Joining Barnes in double figures for ORU was Josh Atkinson who had 18 points.