The Tiffin University men's basketball team (0-4) erased a 13-point halftime deficit but ended up falling to IUP 78-73 in overtime on Saturday night in game one of the Tiffin-Ashland classic inside Kates Gymnasium on the campus of Ashland University. 

Trailing 40-27 at halftime, the Dragons slowly chipped away at the lead and were in good position to pull off the big comeback win for their first of the year. Leading 67-65 with 30 seconds remaining in regulation, Jonah Nesmith missed the front end of a one-and-one and IUP tied the game at 67 on a layup with 16 seconds remaining. Dekyre Fuller's jump shot as time expired was off the mark which forced overtime.  

The Dragons shot 50 percent from the floor in the second half which allowed them to get back into it while IUP was 39 percent from the floor during the second 20 minutes.  

Shooting woes returned for Tiffin in overtime as they went 2-of-8 from the field during the overtime period. IUP struggled too and was 2-of-6 from the field, but the difference was at the free throw line. In the extra period, Tiffin was 2-for-3 at the line and IUP was 7-for-8. The Dragons did not hold a lead during overtime.  

The first half was the exact opposite of the second half which allowed IUP to build a double-digit lead. IUP shot 52 percent from the floor in the first 20 minutes compared to the Dragons' 36 percent. IUP also made six three-pointers compared to only one by Tiffin. IUP led by as many as 17, but the free throw line kept the Dragons within range as TU converted 8-of-12 attempts.  

Allen Fordham was the top scorer for Tiffin with 22 points and KJ Pruitt and Michael Lucarotti both chipped in with 11.  

The Dragons play their home opener tomorrow at 3 p.m. against Miami-Middletown. The game will tipoff shortly after the conclusion of the women's game.