OLEAN, N.Y. – Andrew Nicholson scored 34 points and St. Bonaventure outlasted Charlotte 92-88 in triple overtime on Saturday in the Bonnies' Atlantic 10 Conference opener.
St. Bonaventure (9-5) hit 9 of 10 free throws in the final overtime period and was 31 of 42 from the line for the game while the 49ers were only 8 of 9.
The Bonnies led 40-28 at halftime. Charlotte (8-8, 0-2) opened the second half on a 12-0 run, followed by a 10-0 St. Bonaventure spurt.
Derrio Green's jumper gave Charlotte a 68-66 lead, then Da'Quan Cook's two free throws tied it with 12 seconds left in regulation.
The Bonnies led 75-73 in the first OT before An'Juan Wilderness tied it at 75 at the 1:31 mark.
In the second overtime, Charlotte twice had two-point leads, but Nicholson tied it on both occasions, forcing the third OT.
Jamar Briscoe and Javarris Barnett led Charlotte with 20 points apiece.