The NOC Mavs lsot the lead in regulation but then rebounded in overtime picking up a big 87-80 overtime conference win over Connors Monday night.

NOC (16-8) had Connors on the ropes in regulation but Connors' Blake Putnam hit a 3-pointer with :02 to send the game to overtime.

In overtime, the Mavs outscored the Cowboys 12-5 with big plays from leading scorer Deon Berrien who scored 32 points for the Mavs but drew a charge and had a big offensive rebound in the game's final minute.  Keoidre Perry and Khobe Austin-Johnson also combined for a late steal to seal the win.

Austin-Johnson had 20 for the Mavs while Perry added 16 and Omar Boone 10.

"This was a big win for us," said coach Donnie Jackson.  "We showed a lot of resiliency and toughness.  Deon (Berrien) really came out to play. we got off to a slow start and he kept us in the game.  Khobe, Keo, and Omar all played expceptionally well.  They made timely 3's but they their late game pressure defense really helped us get key stops."

NOC led the Cowboys by as many as 12 in the game's final minutes before Connors rallied to send the game to overtime.

The Mavs built their second half lead with a 13-0 to turn a 39-36 deficit into a 49-39 lead.

The Mavs improved to 7-3 in conference play and in a tie with Connors (18-5) for second place.

"We have a big game Thursday against Enid," he added.  "They have some guys that can score and they are playing well this semester."

 Mavs 87, Connors 80 (OT)

               1      2     OT—Total

Connors   34   41    5--   80

Mavs       35   40   12--  87

Connors—I. Thomas 20, T. Jones 17, C. Haydon 17, J. Graham 15, B. Putnam 5, D. Tanksley 4, M. Lowe 2.

Mavs—D. Berrien 32,  K. Austin-Johnson 20, K. Perry 16, D. Boone 10, B. Tanner 3, S. Traylor 3, M. Downing 3.