The Ferrum College men’s basketball team closed out its regular season just before break with a dramatic 93-91 overtime victory over the University of Mount Olive on Wednesday night at Swartz Gymnasium in Conference Carolinas play.

The Panthers (16-10 overall, 14-6 CC) rallied from a second-half deficit to force extra time and outlast the Mount Olive Trojans (10-18, 7-13) in a contest that featured multiple lead changes and late-game heroics.

Mount Olive jumped out to an early advantage, shooting efficiently in the first half and carrying a 43-36 lead into intermission. The Trojans continued their success in the paint and on the perimeter after the break, building a margin of up to 11 points before Ferrum mounted its comeback.

The Panthers responded with a balanced surge in the second half, outscoring Mount Olive 43-36 behind improved field-goal efficiency and second-chance points to tie the game at 79-79 and send it into overtime.

In the extra session, a timely three-pointer from senior Sterling Charles provided early momentum for the Panthers. Contributions from sophomore Rodrigo Farias and senior Alfredo Abel-Rivera helped Ferrum extend its lead in the closing minute. Although Mount Olive hit late threes to narrow the gap, Ferrum sealed the win at the free-throw line in the final seconds.

Charles led Ferrum with 22 points off the bench, while Abel-Rivera added 20, and Farias chipped in key baskets in overtime. The Panthers also shot 73.7 percent from the free-throw line, a key factor in their narrow victory.

Mount Olive was paced by Shane Peterson, who scored 18 points and shot 5-for-5 from three-point range in the game. Jaevian Alston contributed 17 points, going 11-of-13 at the foul line, and Christian Ananaba added 14 points for the Trojans.

The victory earned Ferrum a No. 3 seed and a first-round bye in the 2026 Conference Carolinas Men’s Basketball Championship.