EASTON, Pa. –Binghamton men's basketball (3-6) battled back from a double-digit second-half deficit and pushed past LIU (3-6) 75-70 in overtime in the Lafayette Classic Saturday afternoon at Kirby Sports Center.

Senior forward Nehemiah Benson poured in a career-high 28 points, including 22 after halftime. Graduate guard Tymu Chenery added 18 points, seven in overtime.

With Benson leading the way, Binghamton used a 22-9 run to turn a 10-point deficit into a late lead. Chenery scored seven of those points as he and Benson tag-teamed the Bearcats' charge. Down 59-57, sophomore forward Gavin Walsh (7 pts., 11 rebs.) forced overtime with a layup with two seconds left in regulation.

Chenery then opened the five-minute extra period by sticking a 3-pointer and the Bearcats held the lead throughout OT. Binghamton made five free throws in the final 34 seconds to seal it, including three makes in the final seven seconds.

Binghamton shot 55 percent in the second half and also received a season-best performance from senior guard Wes Peterson, Jr., who contributed 10 points in a career-high 36 minutes.

"It was a total team effort," head coach Levell Sanders said. "Our guys did a really good executing our game plan. This was a big moment for us to grow as a team. I like that we are playing these close games … we are learning a lot from these games because experience is the best teacher."

Benson, who ranks third in the America East in field goal percentage (57%), hit 7-of-9 field goals and 14-of-17 free throws. He also pulled down seven rebounds and was a team-best plus 12 on the floor.

"We kept calling his number and he came through," Sanders said of Benson's big game. "We had an advantage down there and we wanted to use it."

Both teams were sluggish out of the gate, misfiring on a combined seven of nine to start. The Bearcats led 14-13 with 8:51 left before LIU outscored them 19-10 the rest of the way. The Sharks scored the final six points of the half to take a 32-24 edge into the locker room.

The Bearcats finish the three-day tournament against host Lafayette at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.