Bettors who played the Michigan Panthers, both with the 3-point spread and moneyline at FOX Bet, could only helplessly watch as the Pittsburgh Maulers posted a 31-27 overtime win in the USFL North Division Championship Game on Saturday in Canton, Ohio.
Under 36.5 combined points bettors were in decent shape as the Maulers led 10-3 at halftime before the teams combined for 41 points in the third and fourth quarters to force overtime.
[RELATED: Maulers-Panthers highlights]
Here’s a breakdown of the scoring plays in the furious fourth quarter and overtime:
The Panthers took a 17-10 lead on E.J. Perry‘s 72-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Simms late in the third quarter.
Panthers’ E.J. Perry throws a 72-yard touchdown pass for lead
E.J. Perry’s 72-yard TD pass to Marcus Simms gave Michigan the lead against Pittsburgh.
The Maulers tied it on their next possession on Bailey Gaither‘s 4-yard touchdown run. Under bettors were still covering, but barely.
The Maulers took a 20-17 lead when Chris Blewitt kicked a 59-yard field goal — the longest in the USFL this season — with 3:16 to go. Under bettors ripped up their tickets.
Then two touchdowns and a field goal forced OT.
Perry threw an apparent 55-yard TD to Trey Quinn with 2:04 to go, but wait a second. There was a flag on the field and officials called Michigan lineman Josh Dunlop for a personal foul (facemask).
Mike Pereira reviewed the play and ruled there was no penalty. Touchdown, Panthers up 24-20.
Not for long.
Pittsburgh took a 27-24 lead when Troy Williams threw a 6-yard TD pass to Ishmael Hyman with 39 seconds to go. On fourth down!
Michigan’s Cole Murphy forced overtime with a 47-yard field goal as time expired.
Pittsburgh advanced to the USFL Championship Game by converting a pair of two-point conversions in overtime while Michigan failed to reach the end zone.
The final score was bad news for Panthers moneyline (+120, bet $10 to win $22 total) bettors and those who took the three points.
And, in a twist of betting heartbreak, those bettors who took the three points would’ve pushed if Murphy missed that field goal, which would’ve resulted in a 27-24 final instead of the four-point overtime result.
Another thrilling finish for USFL bettors!
Michigan Panthers vs Pittsburgh Maulers highlights
Check out the highlights as the Pittsburgh Maulers defeated the Michigan Panthers 31-27 in an overtime thriller.
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