Kansas City, Mo. - The Generals of LSU Alexandria (La.) survived an overtime thriller against Bethel (Ind.), 83-78, in the Round of 16 at the NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship in Kansas City. The third game of day two was wire-to-wire for both teams. The Pilots hit a key shot from beyond the arc at the horn forcing overtime of an already close matchup. In overtime, the Generals were able to pull away with big baskets pushing them into the quarterfinals on Saturday at 7 p.m. CT, at Municipal Auditorium.

The game started with LSU Alexandria establishing a lead, ending the first half at 39-31, with standout performances from EJ McQuillan and Kashie Natt. McQuillan, particularly effective from beyond the arc, contributed significantly to the box score with his three-point shooting.

BU came out in the second half and slowly chipped away at an eight-point deficit, outscoring LSU Alexandria 38-30. Preston Phillips, the author of BU's buzzer-beating triple to end regulation, was instrumental in this comeback, scoring a total of 29 points and leading his team with a mix of inside and perimeter shooting. Alonas Peciulis also made a significant impact with a double-double, securing 11 points and 10 rebounds. 

In overtime, LSU Alexandria's Kashie Natt was the catalyst, scoring 10 of the team's 14 total overtime points. Shooting accuracy for both teams was nearly identical, with a field goal percentage of 42.9 percent for LSUA compared to BU's 42.6. LSU Alexandria's free throw efficiency was a crucial factor, converting 83.3 percent of their attempts, compared to Bethel's 60 percent. Bethel, however, had a slight edge in rebounding, securing 43 total rebounds against LSU Alexandria's 41.

The Generals extend their stay to remain in KCMO for at least one more day and will play the winner of the game proceeding theirs between Baker (Kan.) and Oklahoma Wesleyan.