No. 22 Lady Indians Go Toe-to-Toe with No. 6 Three Rivers

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. – A resilient effort by the No. 22 The Lady Indians came up just short Saturday, as a late call and clutch shooting helped No. 6 Three Rivers escape with a 60–56 win in a nationally ranked matchup.

The contest capped a demanding three-game stretch in as many days for the Lady Indians, who faced No. 2 Shelton State in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Thursday before traveling to Missouri for matchups with Moberly Area and the sixth-ranked Lady Raiders.

Tootie Lockett scored a career-high 26 points and hit a clutch three-pointer with 18.4 seconds remaining to give the Lady Indians a 56-55 lead. The Lady Raiders answered on the next possession with a runner in the lane to regain the advantage, 57-56, with 13.8 seconds left.

On the ensuing inbounds, ICC was whistled for a questionable offensive foul, giving possession back to Three Rivers. The Lady Indians were forced to foul, and the Lady Raiders made one of two free throws to extend their lead to 58-56 with 12.1 seconds to play.

After a timeout advanced the ball to midcourt, the Lady Indians drew up one final look. Lockett's jumper rimmed out, and the Lady Raiders converted a lay-up in transition to seal the 60-56 final.

The Lady Indians (1-2) led 44–41 entering the fourth quarter and traded baskets down the stretch with the Lady Raiders (3-0) before the game's dramatic finish.

Kinsley James came off the bench to score 11 points and grab four rebounds. The Lady Indians were perfect from the line connecting on all eight attempts while the Lady Raiders took advantage of 14 of 20 free throw attempts. 

ICC will be back in action on Thursday, November 13, when they host Calhoun (Ala.) at 5 p.m. in the Davis Event Center. The game will be available on LetsGoICCTV.com/red.