Jackson- The Millsaps Majors took conference heavyweight Birmingham Southern to overtime but fell 65-60 in the conference opener for both teams.

The Panthers came in receiving votes in the latest D-III top-25 poll but needed a last second deep three by Kevin Kegarise to force overtime. The Majors played terrific team basketball on the afternoon, holding the Panthers well below their 77 points per game average.

The Majors withstood an early run by the Panthers using a 17-4 run to tie the game after the Panthers jumped out to an early double-digit lead.

Nick Cortese hit a jumper in the final seconds of the first half to give the Majors a 26-25 lead at the break. Cortese and Sterling Thomas each were in double figures at the break with 10 and 12, respectfully.

The teams went back and forth in the second half, neither team led by more than five at any point in the second frame. Tully Gilligan's layup gave the Majors a 57-52 lead with just under 40 seconds to go. That setup Kegarise's desperation 3 that sent the game into overtime.

Zac Richards had a game high 33 for Birmingham Southern. Cortese finished with 20, Thomas had 19 for the Majors. Tully Gilligan filled up the stat sheet once again with six points six rebounds and seven assists.

The loss is the fifth straight for the Majors and puts them at 2-6 on the season, 0-1 in Southern Athletic Association play. The Majors host the University of Dallas Crusaders on Wednesday in their final game before the holiday break. Tip time is set for 3pm.