Darshawn McClellan scored a game-high 28 points and Josh Brown posted 23 points and 10 rebounds as Louisiana-Lafayette defeated Florida International 87-81 in overtime Saturday night in a Sun Belt Conference game.
The Ragin' Cagins (9-10, 3-2) were up by 11 points with 5:48 left in the second half when FIU (4-13, 1-4) rallied behind guards Jeremy Allen and Phil Taylor to force overtime. Allen led the Panthers with 22 points, hitting four 3-pointers, while Taylor scored 19 points, sinking three treys.
Trailing 66-61 with 2:42 left in regulation, the Panthers tied it on two free throws and a 3-point basket by Taylor, then a layup by Brandon Moore with 0:06 left in regulation.
In overtime, Louisiana-Lafayette got two quick 3-pointers by Brown en route to opening up a 79-73 lead. Florida International never got closer than four points again.
