AggieYell.com - Cougs Let Win Slip Away In Double OT

March 17, 2007

CougZone News Services
WazzuWatch.com

The Cougars had already broken numerous school records in the 2006-07 season and were on the verge of breaking another - for most overall wins in a season - but were not able to convert both chances. Sophomore Daven Harmeling missed an open three-pointer against Vanderbilt in regulation that would have won the game, then fellow sophomore Taylor Rochestie missed a driving lay-up in the first overtime that could have won the game. The Commodores survived both those attempts and wewnt on to win the second round NCAA Tournament game in the second overtime by a 78-74 margin to eliminate WSU and finish their season at 26-8 overall.

The Cougars had four players reach double figures, led by junior Derrick Low's 21 points and joined by junior Robbie Cowgill and sophomore Aron Baynes, who logged 14 apiece while sophomore Daven Harmeling scored 11. Weaver and Cowgill each had six boards.

But it was the uncharacteristic turnovers - the Cougars had 19, with Weaver accounting for eight - that led to Wazzu's demise in the second half after playing a sterling first half and taking an eight point lead, 33-25 into the breakThe Bruins immediately showed they were not intimidated by the loud Cougar crowd as they jumped out to a quick 11-4 lead - causing and taking advantage of an uncharacteristic four Cougar tu.

Vanderbilt went away from any attempt at an inside game and began going to their bread and butter - the outside shot. The Commodores began hitting the outside shots they had been missing in the first half and pulled into the lead on several occasions. But it was all tied up with 25 seconds remaining when senior Ivory Clark, who had a personal block party against Oral Roberts two nights earlier - blocked the game-winning shot attempt from Vandy's Derrick Byars, setting up a final shot to win it in regulation for Wazzu. But after Weaver drew the Vandy defenders to him and passed off to a wide open Harmeling in the corner, the sophomore missed off the back rim.

In the first overtime, the two teams stayed even through much of the five-minute frame and with the game tied again, Rochestie stole the Commodores' inbounds pass and raced the length of the court but had his game-winning driving layup attempt swatted to the sideline by Byars.

In the final overtime, the Cougars only scored five points and Weaver had three turnovers in three consecutive possessions that helped clinch the win for Vanderbilt. The Cougars end their season at 26-8 - tied for the school record [set in 1941] for most wins in a season.

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