Rider holds off Hartford in 82-80 2OT victory

LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J. (AP) Teddy Okereafor scored 23 points- six in the second overtime-and helped Rider fend off Hartford 82-80 Wednesday night.

Okereafor shot 6 for 8 from the free-throw line in the second overtime. He finished 13 for 20 from the line.

George Blagojevic hit a 3-pointer for Hartford with 5 seconds left to cut Rider's lead to 81-80. Okereafor made one of two free throws for the game's final margin as Hartford was unable to get off a shot.

Hartford's Jason Dunne hit a 3 to tie it at 62 with 2 seconds left to force the first overtime.

Rider (4-9) overcame a big night by 6-foot-3 guard Pancake Thomas, who registered personal bests with 35 points and 17 rebounds. He entered the game averaging 13.2 points and 5.4 boards.

Only Vin Baker, Aaron Cook and Ulysses Garcia have scored 35 or more points in a game for Hartford (5-9).