Arkansas Tech escapes in semifinal

ARK. TECH 64, TARLETON ST. 63

WICHITA FALLS, Texas — Will Paul scored 19 points as Arkansas Tech held off Tarleton State 64-63 in overtime to advance to the NCAA Division II South Central Regional final.

The Wonder Boys (26-6) will play Midwestern State or Washburn in the regional final on Tuesday night. It will be the Wonder Boys’ first regional final after losing in the regional semifinals two of the past three seasons.

Shedrick Haynes, who had a game-high 22 points for Tarleton State (27-6), scored with three seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 56-56. Matt Haney missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer for Arkansas Tech, forcing overtime.

In overtime, Arkansas Tech took a 62-59 lead on layups by Paul, Johnie Davis and Mykel Cleveland. Haynes followed with a three-pointer to pull Tarleton State within 62-59.

After a putback basket by the Texans’ Fabian Wilson, Cleveland hit two free throws after being fouled to put Arkansas Tech up 64-61 with 12 seconds left.

Haynes was fouled quickly, putting him on the freethrow line, where he made both shots to cut the Wonder Boys’ lead to 64-63.

Davis (15 points) missed two free throws, giving Tarleton State a chance to win the game. But the Texas’ final three-point attempt did not fall.

Jared Williamson added 11 for the Wonder Boys.