03/22 - 8:30 PM Boys Basketball Final Upper Arlington 58 St. Edward 62 Complete Box Score »

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- For the first time in 16 years, St. Edward boys basketball can celebrate as champions.

A 62-58 overtime victory over Upper Arlington on Saturday gave the Eagles the Division I state title. It is St. Edward's second title in school history.

The Eagles' dream nearly died early at Ohio State's Value City Arena, but with the Eagles trailing by three points, senior Marsalis Hamilton drained a 3-pointer at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime.

"I knew being a four-year senior that one of these times I would have to take a big shot in my life, and I just took it," Hamilton said.

From there, the Eagles controlled the pace in overtime. St. Edward (26-2) held the ball for over two minutes to start the extra session before Malcolm Waters hit a layup to give his team a lead it would never give up.

"To pull it out you need to hit some big shots and make some big plays," said St. Edward coach Eric Flannery, whose players vowed to win another title for their coach. "I'm just fortunate to be the guy standing here at the end with my kids."

Don't miss an all access, behind-the-scenes blog with videos and pictures of the Eagles' entire day Saturday, from breakfast to the celebrations (click here to see blog).

Leading the way for St. Edward was junior Kipper Nichols, who had a game-high 26 points. Nichols was one of several players on the floor to shoot well, as he finished the night 11 for 15 from the field.

"I just want to be a do-it-all guy for my team, whether it be on defense or offense," Nichols said. "Wherever you need me, I want to be there."

Despite the low score, it was an impressive offensive night for both teams. St. Edward shot 61.5 percent from the field, while Upper Arlington (27-2) shot 58.8 percent from the field.

The Eagles trailed 48-42 in the fourth quarter but never gave up. Five straight points from sophomore Derek Funderburk brought the game to a one-point margin. St. Edward tied on Hamilton's shot at the buzzer.

In his final game as a member of the Eagles, Hamilton had 11 points. The game-tying 3-pointer was only the third of the season for Hamilton.

"I promised my guys, my managers and my coaches that I would get them a ring," Hamilton said. "That was the only thought on my mind the whole playoff season."

The Golden Bears used a slow, deliberate offense to keep St. Edward from running up the scoreboard like it did on Friday night. The result was a 22-20 lead for Upper Arlington at the break.

While there weren't many points on the board, both offenses performed at a high level. The Golden Bears were 9 for 15 in the first half, while the Eagles were 10 for 17.

"We had to keep relying on our defense," Flannery said. "Marsalis hit a big shot, but they made a bunch of big shots."

Playing particularly well early for the Eagles was Nichols. He had 12 points in the first half, including all 10 points St. Edward scored in the second quarter.

Limiting St. Edward's bench production was key for Upper Arlington on Saturday. After the Eagles had 35 points off the bench in their semifinal win, they only had nine points in the state final.

The state title game was the first time since 2010 that the final was decided in overtime. It was a close game throughout, as neither team led by more than nine points.

The last time the Eagles won a state title was in 1998. That was the only time St. Edward had ever won a boys basketball state title. It was a runner-up in 2008.

Contact high school sports reporter David Cassilo by email (dcassilo@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@dcassilo). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.

