Eastern’s men’s basketball team was up 10 points with 49 seconds left in the game and some fans were beginning to file out of Lantz Arena with the game seemingly under wraps, but the University of Maine had other ideas.

The Black Bears went on a 15-to-5 run, capitalized by a chain of events that left the Lantz Arena crowd in awe. Freshman guard Justin Edwards skied for an incredible put-back dunk. Seconds later, he stole the inbound pass, threw a quick pass to senior guard Gerald McLemore, who then swished a three-point shot that silenced the once vibrant crowd.

McLemore was not done there. Down by four with 14 seconds remaining, most are thinking this is a two-possession game. Not McLemore, as he drew contact from freshman guard Joey Miller, and drained the step-back three as he was fouled. He would then connect on the free throw, tying the game at 76.

The Panthers had time to get up a last second shot in regulation, but senior guard Jeremy Granger was stripped on the shot, and Maine had forced an almost unbelievable overtime period.

With the momentum all but lost, Panthers head coach Mike Miller made sure his team remained calm.

Miller said the team did everything right in closing out the game, but Maine made some incredible plays.

“Those were hard shots (Maine made),” Miller said. “We told our guys they are going to make some shots. I was just praying one of those balls would rim out.”

Maine’s leading scorer, Edwards, was forced to sit out the extra period after picking up five fouls in regulation. With Edwards out and McLemore finally cooling down, it was time for Granger to put the Panthers on his back.

Granger injured his shoulder with six minutes left in the first half and did not come back until the second half. Injury and all, he played every minute until the final whistle.

In overtime, Granger scored all nine of Eastern’s points. He made just one field goal, an impressive driving lay-up, but showed off his touch from the free throw line.

Granger made seven of eight shots from the foul stripe, showing why he is one of the best free throw shooters in the nation.

Granger said he wants the ball in his hands late in the game, but he isn’t necessarily looking to take over.

“I feel like any one of my teammates can make the same plays,” Granger said. “But in overtime, I want to be the one with the ball in my hands, I want to be the one who makes plays.”

Maine was ice-cold in the extra period, shooting 25 percent. Even red-hot McLemore shot one of four in the extra period. McLemore finished the game with 26 points, six rebounds and shot five of 12 from the three-point line.

Before Granger took over in overtime, the Panther were led offensively and defensively by sophomore forward Alfonzo McKinnie. McKinnie had a career night in points, with 26, and rebounds, with 14. Joey Miller also had a career-high 19 points, while making 10 of 10 shots from the free throw line.

McKinnie said the team put forth a great effort.

“We did what we had to do to get a win on our home court,” McKinnie said.

The win improves the Panthers record to 4-2 overall and Maine drops to 2-2. Eastern will continue its home stand as Stony Brook comes to Charleston on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m.

Rob Mortell can be reached at 581-7942 or at rdmortell@eiu.edu.