MONTREAT, N.C. – Bluefield University men's basketball erased a double-digit second-half deficit and forced overtime Saturday afternoon, but Montreat pulled away in the extra period for a 105–99 victory inside McAlister Gymnasium.

Montreat built early momentum behind perimeter shooting and carried a 49–39 lead into halftime. The Rams responded with one of their most explosive second halves of the season, shooting over 51 percent from the floor and knocking down six three-pointers to storm back into the contest.

DJ McDonald led the charge throughout the afternoon, scoring 10 first-half points before erupting for 14 in the second half. Ke'Shaun Tonsall added 10 second-half points, while DeAndre Miles provided a key spark with five points during a mid-half run that trimmed the deficit to single digits.

Bluefield steadily chipped away, and with just under five minutes remaining, a layup from Elijah White cut the Montreat lead to one. The Rams continued to battle possession-for-possession down the stretch. McDonald connected on a clutch three with 2:42 remaining to make it 89–88, and Tonsall completed a three-point play with 1:32 left to tie the game at 91–91.

After Montreat regained a brief lead at the free-throw line, McDonald calmly sank two foul shots with 36 seconds remaining to even the score at 93–93. BU's defense held on the final possession of regulation, forcing overtime.

In the extra period, Montreat opened with a quick run and capitalized at the free-throw line. White scored four points in overtime, and McDonald added two more free throws, but the Rams were unable to overcome Montreat's efficient shooting in the final minutes.

McDonald delivered a standout performance with 26 points and nine rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting. White followed with 20 points, while Tonsall added 15 points and five rebounds. Shaft Clark contributed 11 points and nine rebounds, and Miles chipped in eight points.

Bluefield returns home Thursday to host Milligan at 7:30 p.m. inside the Dome.