Not even a scripted TV show could match the drama that occurred in the ESPN Bracket Buster between the NIU men’s basketball team and Winthrop.

While the Huskies held the lead for the bulk of the game it’s the score at the end that matters, and after double overtime the Huskies found themselves on the wrong end of a 98-97 score.

“It was a terrific college basketball game,” NIU coach Rob Judson said. “It came down to the last possession, had a lot of controversy and showed a lot of character.”

NIU held a seven-point advantage at the 2:16 mark, but watched its lead slip away in the final minutes of the game. Winthrop senior forward James Shuler, who posted a career-high 27 points, capped the Eagles return by tying the game with two free throws and 0:23 left.

Trying to win the game, senior guard Cory Sims took a shot with one second remaining. The ball hit the rim but rattled out, leaving the contest tied.

NIU (13-10) started the first overtime period behind the Eagles, but caught up and kept the game even at 85-85 with 0:37 left in the period.

Sims, who scored 15 points, again found himself with the ball to end the game. The senior pulled up and released a jumper as the shot clock expired.

His shot missed, but it looked as if center James Hughes tipped the rebound in for a NIU win. But the officials called off the shot as they said Sims didn’t get his shot off in time.

“In our opinion, Cory Sims’ shot left his hand before the shot clock expired,” Judson said. “Having the replay in this game would certainly been beneficial.”

The Huskies started the second overtime similar to the first; letting Winthrop take an early lead. With 0:25 left NIU found itself with a one point lead and senior Anthony Maestranzi at the foul line to increase the lead. The .903 percentage free throw shooter missed both of his shots though.

On Winthrop’s next possession, NIU tightened down on defense and didn’t allow the Eagles couldn’t get a clear look at the basket.

But as the shot clock was about to expire center Craig Bradshaw, who had a career-high 24 points, hit a three pointer to give the Eagles a 98-96 led.

With three seconds left the Huskies in bounded the ball, and failed to sink a basket. Game over — or not.

It turns out that Judson called a time out from the bench before the ball was inbounded. This erased the previous ending of the game, and reset the clock back to three seconds – giving the Huskies one last chance.

For the third time, Sims found the ball back in his hands to end a period. The Livingston native fired a desperation shot the ball from behind the arc.

The shot did not find its target but Sims was fouled, giving the senior three foul shots to win the game with no time left.

The pressure was on as he missed the first, but made the second.

Instead of providing that euphoric moment to send the Huskies into triple over time, the guard missed the final shot putting an end to the epic battle.