Fairbanks, Alaska – DaShawn Walker hit a 3-point field goal with 25.7 seconds remaining and followed with a pair of free throws as Denver defeated Illinois-Chicago 52-48 in overtime Sunday to win the BP Top of the World Classic.
Walker entered overtime with just eight points but scored seven of Denver’s eight over the extra five minutes.
Pioneers center Yemi Nicholson blocked eight shots, including two in the extra frame, atoning for missing a free throw with 28.5 seconds left in regulation that could have clinched the game. Nicholson finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.
Both teams started the first half slow and the score remained tied 2-2 with seven minutes gone.
A 15-4 run gave Denver (3-0) its biggest lead of the half, 20-12, with 5:04 remaining. The Pioneers led 28-20 at the break.
Illinois-Chicago chipped away at the lead and went on a 10-3 run over the final 6:50 to tie the game at 44.
Denver held Illinois-Chicago (2-1) to 1-of-9 shooting in overtime.
Illinois-Chicago outrebounded Denver 51-28 and put up 19 more shots but hit just 26 percent for the game. The Flames missed all eight 3-point attempts.
Justin Bowen led Illinois-Chicago with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
