LAKE CHARLES, La. – The University of the Incarnate Word men's basketball team fell to Nicholls 74-70 in overtime in the quarterfinals of the SLC Tournament at the Legacy Center Monday.

Dylan Hayman led the Cardinals with a career-high 29 points while Jamal West Jr. led the Colonels with 17.

The game was a physical, defensive battle with both sides trading baskets and UIW holding a 15-11 advantage midway through the first half. It continued to be a defensive battle with both teams shooting under 30% from the field with four minutes to go as Nicholls led 22-21. Hayman finished the first half with 18 points, including three straight buckets for the Cardinals to propel a 6-0 surge that put UIW up 27-22 with just under two minutes to play in the first. The Colonels responded with six straight of their own and a three from Trae English helped Nicholls carry a narrow, 28-27 lead into halftime.

In the second half, the Colonels burst out to a quick 34-29 lead. The Cardinals responded with a 7-0 run capped off by a Jalin Anderson three to go up 36-34 with 16:34 to play. Midway through the half, the Cardinals could not hit a field goal for five minutes, as Nicholls extended their lead to as high as eight, 54-46, with just over eight and a half to play. UIW responded with a 9-1 run capped off by a block by Anderson that led to a fast break layup from Bailey to tie the game at 55 with just under six to go. NSU pulled ahead in the closing minutes to take a 63-57 lead. Following a Jordan Pyke free throw, Hayman buried another three from the left wing to tighten things to 63-61 with 52 seconds to go. The Cardinals forced a key stop on the defensive end, and Anderson drove to the basket to hit a tear drop floater to tie the game at 63. In the final moments, Nicholls' final shot attempt rolled in and out as time expired and UIW went to overtime for the second straight night.

The Cardinals fell behind to start the overtime period, 67-63. An Anderson free throw and Hayman driving layup cut the game to 67-66 with 2:43 in OT. Hayman drove and buried another floater to add to his career night and give UIW a 68-67 edge. NSU scored six unanswered after that and went up 73-68. The Cardinals were held off the rest of the way.

Cardinals finish their longest Southland Conference season with a 17-16 overall record.

FOLLOW ALONG 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. 
Follow the team Twitter @UIWMBB and on Instagram @UIWMensBasketball 

--UIW CARDINALS--