December 20, 1998
COLLEGE STATION, Texas - Eddie House hit several key baskets and four free throws down the stretch to lead Arizona State to a 96-91 triple-overtime victory over Texas A&M.
It was the Aggies' (7-2) first loss at Reed Arena. "That's one to write about, baby," House yelled as he ran off the court over the win.
A&M had a chance to run away early in the game and held a 36-26 lead at halftime.
But A&M, which hit 54 percent of its shots in the first half, trailed off badly, hitting just 39 percent after the break.
"I thought our guys gave a heckuva effort, but mental lapses at the beginning of the second half didn't help us any," said Aggies coach Melvin Watkins.
With 28 seconds left in regulation, A&M clung to a 60-57 lead, but House hit a three-pointer from deep in the corner with 12 seconds left for Arizona State (5-4). House also hit a jumper near the end of overtime to send that game to another period.
In the second overtime, A&M took a three-point lead with 27 seconds left.
It was only the second triple-overtime game in A&M history.
House led all scorers with 34 points.
"As a spectator sport, it would have been great to watch," Watkins said.
"The outcome was not what we wanted, but I'm proud of this group."