The Little Giants fouled Allegheny's Ryan Meerstein with the score tied with 1.6 seconds remaining in the extra period. Meerstein missed the first free throw before he hit the game-winning shot.
Wabash hit 13-of-24 free throws in the game. The Little Giants also struggled from the three-point arc, hitting only 2-of-16 shots. Wabash led by 11 points at the start of the game, jumping out to a 13-2 advantage with 14:17 left in the opening period. The Little Giants held that lead until the three-minute mark of the first half when Allegheny made its run. The Gators used their press to force the Little Giants into turnovers and missed shots, allowing Allegheny to cut the lead to five at halftime.
The second half of the game belonged to Meerstein and Wabash guard Brady Claxton (Shelbyville, IN/Shelbyville). Meertstein scored 11 points in the second half and four point in overtime to finish with 15 in the game. Claxton matched Meertstein shot for shot in the second half, scoring 14 of his game-high 23 points in the second 20-minute period.
After tying the score seven times in during regulation, Allegheny took a one-point lead to open overtime. Junior Joe DesJean (Indianapolis, IN/Perry Meridian) scored two of his 18 points to give the Little Giants a 67-65 lead. Allegheny tied the game again before Ryan Short (Indianapolis, IN/Perry Meridian) scored two of his 18 points to put Wabash in front 69-67. A three by Meerstein gave Allegheny a one-point lead, then jumped in front by two on a free throw by Matt Magnusen.
The Little Giants drove the ball inside, down by two point with 12 seconds remaing, when DesJean drew a foul to go to the line. He hit both free throws to tie the game before the game-winning free throw by Meerstein gave Allegheny the win.
The loss in North Coast Athletic Conference play is the second for Wabash (5-7, 3-2) this season. The Little Giants will play their final non-conference game of the season on Wednesday night against North Park University. Tipoff at Chadwick Court is set for 7:30 p.m.