Limestone’s Sumner Benton launches a shot over the outstretched arm of a Pfeiffer defender on Monday. By LARRY HILLIARD

Ledger Sports Editor

Limestone’s Sumner Benton was suffering with a migraine prior to Monday’s game with No. 10-ranked Pfeiffer.

After the game, it was the Falcons who were feeling ill.

Benton had a monster game with 26 points, including the game-winner with just four seconds on the clock, and a game-high 10 rebounds, in leading the Saints to a dramatic 108-105 overtime victory over Pfeiffer.

“We had so many contributions but Sumner Benton really gave us every ounce of energy and the guys fed off that,” Limestone coach Larry Epperly said. “(Pfeiffer) was No. 1 in the East region and this was just a great win.”

The Saints had six players in double figures, including Ben Touchberry and Marquintus Jones, who each scored 18.

“We matched their intensity,” Touchberry said. “This was a big win and it should give us momentum during the rest of the conference. The whole team just stepped up.”

The battle of wills began early when the Falcons huddled up at midcourt, the same spot where the Saints hold their pre-game huddle. The Saints won that battle, too, by moving the Falcons off the spot.

The Saints had a chance to win the game in regulation but former Blacksburg star Alex Bailey misfired from the top of the key.

Touchberry, another former Blacksburg standout, took over in the early moments of the extra session with a basket, a three-pointer and foul shot to put the Saints up 99-98. Rico Grier, who scored a game-high 27 points, answered with a three-pointer to give the Falcons a 101-99 advantage.

Benton tied the game with a pair of free throws before Damien Argett regained the lead for the Falcons with a free throw.

Pfeiffer took a 105-103 lead with 1:02 left in the overtime on Grier’s hoop after the Falcons rebounded Demario Grier’s missed free throw.

Brandon Shipman, who had 15 points for the Saints, answered with a jumper. After the Falcons turned the ball over on their next trip downcourt, Shawn Poppie missed a close-in shot but Benton grabbed the rebound, scored and was fouled on the play with just :4.6 on the clock.

The Falcons, one of the leading scoring teams in the country, threatened to take control of the game with a spurt that put them up 72-61 in the second half. But the Saints went on a run to tie it at 74 on Jones’ basket. It stayed tight the rest of the way.

Limestone will host Mt. Olive on Thursday in another key conference matchup.