The football team wasn’t the only team to go into overtime on Nov. 6 here at North Carolina A&T.

The Men’s Basketball team debuted their new talent for the first time this year during the annual Blue & Gold game at Corbett Sports Center, with the Blue team winning in overtime 100-99.

The first shot of the game was Nic Simpson’s three-pointer for the Gold team to get points on the scoreboard early.

Slam-dunks from senior center Thomas Coleman, dribble penetration and assists from freshman guard Jeremy Underwood made the game seem promising for the Gold team.

But after senior forward/center Thomas Cooper’s two-step lay-up during a fast break, the Blue team began to make a comeback.

Marc Hill, junior guard, went on a scoring streak knocking down a three-pointer and then scoring three consecutive baskets for the Blue team.

As both teams traded baskets, changing the lead numerous times in the first half, freshman guard Thomas Cooper hit a three to put Blue back in the lead 36-35.

Soon after, Simpson scored an easy lay-up with the assist from Underwood that gave the Gold team a one-point lead at 40-39. The first half came to an end with the Gold team leading 44-41.

The second half was just as competitive as the first. A dunk by sophomore guard Austin Witter, gave the Blue team a lift in the second half.

After a block by Witter, Cooper hit another three to put them up by four. The Blue team began to put full-court pressure on the Gold team but the Gold’s, junior guard, John Gordon scored eight points in a row to put the Gold back in the lead at 63-62.

Later in the game, Coleman’s easy dunk along with a three-pointer by Simpson allowed the Gold team to gain a six point lead, but once again the Blue team began to redeem themselves after Hill hit a three-pointer with 34.2 seconds left in regulation making the score 91-88.

A foul by Lawrence Smith put Coleman at the free throw line with 18.6 seconds left on the clock, but Coleman missed both giving the Blue team possession of the ball.

Hill pushed the ball up the court looking for a shot, but the Gold’s team intense defensive pressure made Hill pass the ball out to Smith and he drilled a three pointer tying the game 93-93 with 6.2 seconds left sending the game into overtime.

Hill continued to dominate and break the defense of the Gold team scoring two more points and the score became 100-97 until Gordon put in an easy lay-up on a fast break putting the Gold team within one.

 The Gold team had a chance to take the lead but the Blue team didn’t stop their defensive pressure. A failed three-pointer by Underwood sealed the victory for the Blue team.

“The game was real competitive,” said Hill, who gave A&T’s Blue team 25 points along with nine assists, seven rebounds, and two steals.

“It was definitely one of the better scrimmages we’ve played since I’ve been here, and I think it’s going to be a good season for us this year.”

Gold’s Simpson led all scorers with 28 points and had three steals. Coleman, who was selected to the MEAC preseason team, had a double- double scoring 21 points and grabbing 16 rebounds for the Gold. Underwood added 12 points and 11 assists.

The Blue team’s Cooper contributed 21 points and seven rebounds. Freshman forward Ray Lester also had 10 points and 12 rebounds for Blue.

“We’re pretty excited with what we saw today, having a scrimmage 100-99. After this game, we can’t wait to play Ohio State on Friday,” said Assistant Coach Scott Bollwage.  

The North Carolina A&T Men’s Basketball Team will play their season game against The Ohio State Buckeyes Friday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m.

• Karmen Robinson