BALTIMORE, Md. - Isaiah Bailey recorded the final four of his career-best 28 points at the free-throw line and sealed a 96-95 overtime victory for Bethune-Cookman against Morgan State in an all-time classic Monday night at Hill Field House. Bailey was a rebound away from a triple-double and set bests with nine rebounds, 10 assists, and three steals in 42 minutes. 

BCU (16-12, 10-3) won its fourth connective game and moved into a three-way tie for first place with Savannah State and North Carolina A&T with Bailey and Brandon Tabb's career-tying 34 points paving the way.

With forwards Shawntrez Davis and Soufiyane Diakite fouled out, BCU had to trade agility for size on the floor in the extra frame. MSU's (10-16, 6-7) Tiawian Kendley sank a pair of free throws for the 16th tie of the game at a 92-all score and 32 seconds remaining in overtime. 

The Wildcats drained the clock and Bailey drove to the rim with five seconds and was fouled by Martez Cameron. The Compton, Calif. native made both and BCU held a two-point lead.

Following the inbounds, Martez handed the ball off to Kyson Rawls who aimed for a potential game-winning three at the right wing, but Martez was billed with an offensive foul trying to screen for Rawls. 

Bailey went to the line with 1.8 seconds remain and was clutch with two more makes that proved pivotal as MSU's David Syfax nailed a three at the horn. 

Jeffery Altidort poured in a season-high 17 points, with a perfect four-for-four at the line, and and three steals. Diakite grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds. BCU shot 50.8% from the floor, and was 23-33 in free throw shooting, capped by an 8-9 OT showing. The Wildcats outscored the Bears in the paint (40-24) and off turnovers (24-14).

The second half saw each team struggle with leads late. BCU saw a 70-66 lead with 4:58 remaining turn into a 77-73 deficit just over two minutes later on a Syfax free throw.

Syfax had another one-for-two showing at the line with 27 seconds. Bailey pulled in the rebound and Tabb faded mid-lane for two.

Two misses at the line by Rawls gave way for a Bailey three and an 82-80 Wildcat lead with eight seconds remaining.

With just over three seconds to go, Tabb fouled Rawls on a drive and this time the guard made both. On the next possession, Bailey beat the horn but his field goal attempt was just short.

Tabb drained a deep three from the right wing to beat the horn and cap a 7-0 Wildcat run to take a 34-32 lead into the break. The three capped a comeback to erase a 30-24 deficit with 2:55 remaining after Alex Ennis made a pair of Bear free throws. 

BCU opened its scoring on a 7-0 run as well to take a 7-4 lead off a Davis tip-in at 16:42. 

MSU went on a 13-4 push over the next five minutes to earn a 17-11 advantage with 11:06 to go. Tabb ignited the Wildcat comeback with his second of four first half three-pointers and closed the first 20 points with a team-high 14 points.

BCU returns home to host Savannah State on Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. for Senior Day. For tickets, visit the BCU box office or www.Ticketmaster.com.