San Jose SaberCats 84, Chicago Rush 77 (OT)
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- As losses go, this might have been the most bitter of the year for Chicago.
The Rush never trailed in regulation but suffered an 84-77 overtime defeat Saturday night to San Jose at HP Pavilion, dropping them a game and a half behind San Antonio in the Arena Football League's Central Division.
Former Chicago standout Johnie Kirton's 4-yard touchdown run with 12 minutes left in OT gave the SaberCats (8-3) their only lead. Rush quarterback Russ Michna, who didn't play in a 77-43 defeat at Phoenix two weeks ago because he was tending to a personal matter, tossed an interception to Vince Hill in the end zone to end it.
It was the only blemish for Michna, who completed 25-of-32 for 351 yards and eight touchdowns, including a 47-yard strike to Jared Perry with 20 seconds left that gave Chicago (6-4) a short-lived 77-70 edge.
Mark Grieb, who was 33-of-45 for 417 yards and nine scores, responded with a 28-yard scoring strike to Huey Whittaker with 10 seconds remaining to even the score. Joe Houston's 56-yard field goal as time expired in regulation was short, forcing OT.
For the Rush, Reggie Gray finished with four touchdowns, including one on the ground, while Perry caught three touchdown passes. T.J. Watkins and Terrance Turner each added scoring catches, and backup quarterback Luke Drone contributed a touchdown run.
Whittaker, James Roe and Samora Goodson collected three touchdown receptions apiece for San Jose and Kirton rushed for three scores.
Chicago hosts Spokane on June 3 at 3 p.m. at Allstate Arena.
