The Oglethorpe University men's basketball team lost their first game of the season on Pinholster Court on Thursday night against cross-town rival Emory University in overtime, 85-81.

After trailing by as many as fifteen points and being down by twelve at the half, Oglethorpe stormed back to take a six point lead heading into the game's final 60 seconds. Disaster struck, however, as the Petrels missed six consecutive free throws in the waning seconds to open the door for the Eagles who promptly took advantage. Daniel Curtain hit a three-ball to tie the game with 16 ticks remaining and Emory rode the momentum into the overtime session for the win.
 
Prior to the meltdown at the free throw line, Oglethorpe looked poised for a nice season opening win after treating the crowd to the thrilling fifteen point turnaround. The comeback was highlighted by freshman Tyler Cerone connecting on consecutive three-pointers on the first two shots of his career.
 
The Petrels were led by Joe Kennedy's 18 points and 7 rebounds. Todd Ward added 13 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists on the night and Wade Weldon and Alex Richey tossed in 16 and 15 points respectively. For the night Oglethorpe shot 45% (32-71) from the field but a woeful 37% (7-19) from the free throw line.
 
The Petrels will shoot for their first win of the season this Sunday when they face Methodist on Pinholster Court at 3 p.m.