PEMBROKE, N.C. – Lander's JR Washington not only scored a game-high 26 points Wednesday night, but connected on a three pointer and a layup early in overtime to lead the Lander men's basketball team to an 81-74 Peach Belt Conference victory over UNC Pembroke at English E. Jones Gymnasium.

Lander improves to 10-6 overall and 4-3 in the PBC, while UNCP drops to 11-6, 6-2. The win propels the Bearcats past last year's nine-win season.

Washington connected on 10-11 field goals, including 6-of-7 threes, to pace the Bearcats. Michael Panaggio added 18 points and six assists, while Jareal Smith netted 12 points.

Brandon Winford led the Braves with 18 points and nine rebounds, while Griffin Pittman added 15 points and Quamain Rose 11 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

The Bearcats connected on 25-of-54 field goals (46.3 percent), including 10-of-22 threes (45.5 percent), and 21-of-26 free throws.

The Braves made 26-of-70 floor shots (37.1 percent), including 3-of-13 threes (23.1 percent), and 19-of-25 foul shots (76 percent).

UNCP, which led at halftime, 35-29, won the battle of the boards, 43-38.

Lander took a 68-66 lead with 1:21 left in regulation on a pair of Darius Carrier free throws, only to have UNCP's Ben Jacobs tie the game on a last second shot.

The Braves struck first in overtime on a pair of Pittman free throws, but Lander countered with two foul shots from Jareal Smith with 3:40 left.

Washington's three gave the Bearcats a 73-70 lead with 3:03 left in OT, then Washington scored again on a layup, Jareal Smith hit a jumper, and Panaggio dropped in two foul shots to give Lander a 79-70 advantage with 1:03 left.