Newcomer John McKenzie dropped 38 points to steer the University of The Bahamas men's basketball team to a 90-85 overtime win over Airport Authority Avengers in the UB Basketball Showcase Thursday, January 29 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

McKenzie connected on all 15 of his free-throw attempts. Shemeco Albury had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds to go with five swipes. Kevaro Rusell came off the bench in the fourth quarter and overtime to score 18 points. Jarius Hall chipped in with 13 points.

McKenzie just wanted to help his team get the win.

"Coach told us to a adjust and finish strong and stop double clutching". McKenzie said. "It was next guy up, they trusted me from the first day of practice, it was just come in and be yourself'.

Russell was a huge catalyst for UB in the fourth quarter with 13 points in that quarter alone. He made some key baskets when McKenzie got cold from the field. That quarter ended 75-75.

Overtime saw UB going on a 8-0 run that was capped off by a four-point play from Russell with 3:01 left in overtime. UB led 83-75 at that point. Hall showed his bounce for the finger-roll layup to put UB up 83-77 with 2:05 remaining in overtime.

UB made some free-throws down the stretch to hold on for the comeback victory.

McKenzie did most of his damage in the first quarter with 11 points when his team needed scorers as they were without Russell and Terrance Higgs. UB led 14-10 at the first quarter. The Avengers had a strong second quarter with a 24-12 advantage. Albury made a floater to beat the buzzer in that quarter to cut the lead down to 34-40.

The Avengers went into the fourth quarter with a 58-53 lead that went to a 63-57 lead with 9:00 left in regulation. Russell made a jumper with 6:55 remaining as they led 66-65. The two teams traded lead before the quarter ended at 75-75 to set up the overtime.

Rus-shorn Strachan led the Avengers with 20 points while Kriston Munroe had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Next up for UB is a clash at 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24 against the Royal Bahamas Police Force Crimestoppers at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.