Exhausted and relieved after surviving three overtimes, first-year Eastside coach Nico Reyes knew Thursday he had experienced a big moment in Bulldog basketball.
"It was a classic," said Reyes after Eastside held off Irving College in three overtimes 31-30.
Eastside (4-4) couldn't seem to pull away for four quarters, or two subsequent overtimes, against a pesky Tiger team in search of its second win. It wasn't until Daren Earls drained a 3-pointer and Eli Cantrell sunk a free throw in a third overtime that the Bulldogs had enough breathing room.
Or so they thought.
With 2.5 seconds remaining in the third overtime, Abram Stinson sank a 3-pointer to close the gap once again. The Tigers weren't able to gain possession again though, leaving Reyes and his team soaking up a victory.
"Thankfully there's no such thing as a four-point play," said Reyes.
 Earls showed his deft touch throughout the game, leading Eastside with nine points on three 3-pointers. Ethan Vandeveer added 8, including two buckets in the overtime periods. Dyllon Young scored 6, none bigger than a bucket in the fourth quarter which kept the game tied.
Cantrell and Levi Jones added 3 points each in Eastside's second win in three games. Jon Thomas McGee chipped in two free throws.
Stinson and Gavin Hobbs each had 10 points as Irving College fell to 1-7. Gage Harper and Hunter Fults finished with 4, while Damen Gay scored 2.
Eastside will be back in action Monday at home against Centertown. Third place in the league will be on the line when the 5-3 Warriors travel to the Bulldogs.
Irving College will also be back at home Monday and looking to upset the undefeated Dibrell Wildcats.