RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – A basket by junior forward Isaac Sevlie with five seconds left proved to be the gamewinner as the No. 9-ranked Minnesota State University Moorhead men's basketball team edged Arkansas Tech, 80-78 in overtime at the NSIC/GAC Crossover in Russellville, Ark.

MSUM moved to 4-1 on the year with the win – its second in overtime and third by three points or less this season. Arkansas Tech fell to 1-1.

Sevlie was named the classic's Most Valuable Player after recording 43 points in the two Dragon wins. Junior guard Aaron Lien was also named to the all-tournament team.

Senior guard Ngijol Songolo had 19 points to pace MSUM, while Sevlie had 18 points and eight rebounds. Lien had 12 points, while senior guard Tyler Vaughan had five points, nine rebounds and five assists.

MSUM shot 42 percent (29-of-69) compared to 32.9 percent (27-of-82) for Arkansas Tech.  Arkansas Tech had a 59-46 edge in rebounds.

The Dragons led 61-58 with 4:37 left but scored eight of the next nine points to push the lead to 69-59 with 1:24 left in regulation. Sevlie had four points during that run while sophomore Tanner Kretchman and Songolo added baskets.

The Wonder Boys mounted a furious rally in the final 1:24 and tied the game at 72-72 with six seconds left when Marquis Yates buried a three. The Dragons had a shot to win the game in the final seconds but it wouldn't fall, sending the game to overtime.

MSUM faced a 75-72 deficit early in the overtime frame but scored five points in a row – including a three by Lien – to take a 77-75 lead. Arkansas Tech regained the lead at 78-77, but Sevlie's basket with five seconds left gave the Dragons a one-point lead. A free throw with one second left by Sevlie pushed the lead to 80-78, and the Wonder Boys were unable to get a shot off in the final second.

MSUM led 32-27 at halftime despite shooting only 35.5 percent in the first half. Songolo's seven points led the way.

The second half was close for much of the way until the Dragons pushed the lead to double digits in the final two minutes.

Junior forward Matt Nelson had seven rebounds off the bench for MSUM while freshman center Addison Park had eight points and five rebounds.

MSUM plays host to crosstown rival Concordia College for a 7 p.m. game on Tuesday night at Nemzek Fieldhouse.

NSIC/GAC Crossover All-Tournament Team
MVP-Isaac Sevlie, MSUM
Aaron Lien, MSUM
Andraz Kavas, Harding
Freddy Lee, Tech
Skye Warwick, NSU
Marquis Yates, Tech