Deville Smith scored a career-high 26 to help UT-Martin beat Illinois-Chicago 81-78 in overtime on Monday night.
Smith added six rebounds, seven assists, three steals and five blocks.
UIC trailed 55-38 midway through the second half before going on a 20-4 run, capped by a Lance Whitaker 3-pointer, to pull within 59-58. Whitaker’s jumper at the 1:15 mark and two Jay Harris free throws tied the game at 65 with 29 second left. Tai Odiase blocked UT-Martin’s shot with 4 seconds left but Paris Burns’ 3-pointer rattled out at the buzzer.
UT-Martin started the overtime session with a 10-2 run and only allowed one UIC field goal in the first 4 minutes. UT-Martin converted 6 of 10 free throws in the final minute.
Twymond Howard had 14 points and 10 rebounds for UT-Martin (6-2).
Burns led UIC (3-8) with 24 points. Marc Brown had 23 and Jay Harris 18.