WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. --- After honoring four seniors, the Lycoming College men’s basketball team made its final game of the season in Lamade Gymnasium an interesting and close one, falling 73-69 in overtime.

With the loss, Lycoming stands at 11-12 and 4-7 in the Commonwealth Conference. Messiah improves to 9-15 and 6-5 in the conference, securing its spot in the playoffs.

After being down by as many as 16 midway through the second half, the Warriors rallied to send the game into overtime. A pair of free throw shots by Sebastian Sabella started the comeback, closing the gap 48-34. Lycoming continued to slowly work down the lead when Will Kelly hit a mid-range jumper and was fouled. Kelly converted the free throw, getting the Warriors to within eight at 5:10.

Greg Sye was able to tie the score with 30 seconds left in the game, sending the teams into overtime, knotted at 59. The teams traded two-point plays at the start of extra time, but the Messiah offense proved to be too much, outscoring the Warriors 14-10 to take home the victory.

Sye was the leading scorer in the game, posting 19 points and seven rebounds, while Kelly had 18 points and four rebounds. Jemayne Nowlin scored 14 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Sebastian Sabella added eight points to the Warrior total and Eric Anthony tossed in six points.

Both teams shot 45 percent from the field, but Messiah’s work from the free throw line was the deciding factor down the stretch as it shot 75.8 (25-33) percent. The Warriors were outrebounded 37-31.

The Warriors will play their final game of the 2008-09 season on the road on Saturday, Feb. 21 at Albright College. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.