PROVO, Utah -- The Brigham Young men's lacrosse team took care of business Saturday with a nail-biting, overtime win against Texas, 10-9.

After falling behind by three goals, Texas came roaring back and the game zig-zagged back and forth ending regulation in a 9-9 tie. Defensive heroics in the overtime brought the win home for the Cougars.

The Cougars came out of the gate with a goal from Tanner Johnson on their first possession. Texas quickly tied it up and then took a 2-1 lead. BYU goalie Mason Moon made a save that led to the tying goal. The Cougars made good on a man-up with a goal from Zach Labrum followed by Johnson, then one from Chris Severson.

BYU finished the first quarter with two goalie saves, a two-goal lead, and another man-up to start the second quarter.

In the second, Johnson secured his hat-trick on EMO, giving the Cougars their largest lead of the game, 5-2. The Y was called for a two-minute, non-releasable penalty, which could have spelled disaster. The Longhorns managed to score once, but a strong defensive hold from the Cougar d-poles Devin Needs and Rick Rose returned the ball to offense.

Texas scored twice more, and a BYU turnover led to another Longhorn offensive strike, but outstanding play from defensive middie, Jake Hougaard kept the Texas attack away from the goal. The score was tied 5-5 at the half.

BYU started the second half much like the first with a quick goal from Johnson, but the Cougars' offensive game stalled for the remainder of the quarter with several strong stops by the Texas defense.

The Cougar defense fended off another man-down with a steal from Connor Williams, and continued stellar play from Moon denied a multitude of Longhorn shots, but the Longhorns were able to reel in two more goals, and they headed into the fourth quarter with a 7-6 lead.

Texas won the first draw of the fourth, but Moon saved their shot. Cougar middie Labrum ran right to left around the crease, turned and scored his third goal, tying it up again. On the next possession, a BYU turnover led to a transition goal for the Longhorns.

After a BYU timeout with 6:40 left, Labrum scored again to bring BYU back to even. The Longhorns gained next possession, but the Cougar defense, led by Harrison Wardle, forced another turnover, and d pole Boston Handley ran the length of the field scoring to give the Y a one-goal lead, 9-8.

Texas called time at 3:50 and the Longhorns ensuing play evened the match once again. With 45 seconds left BYU mounted its last offense, but were held, and the game went to overtime tied at nines.

Texas won the all-important first draw of the overtime and headed for the Cougar goal. BYU poles came up big with a steal, and Handley sent the ball back to offense. Severson set a perfect pick, allowing Harry Waddoups to get free, receiving an assist from Andrew Bertha, for a rip high-to-high shot to win the game.

“Texas has demonstrated that they are top team all season and we knew they were going to be good," said BYU coach Matt Schneck. "It was a hard fought game by both teams and it was a great test for our boys in a difficult situation. They rose up and came together when it counted and took care of business. Couldn’t be more proud of how they finished the game.”

The Cougars will travel to cross town rival Utah Valley on Wednesday Night at 7pm and then host the University of Utah on Saturday at 7pm to wrap up conference play and the regular season. Both games will be streamed live at: live.byulacrosse.com.