Overtime Thriller Slips Away From Lady Indians

SENATOBIA, Miss. - The Lady Indians (5-4) rallied from a 13 point deficit in the fourth quarter but could not overcome a late overtime swing, falling 74-71 to national power Trinity Valley (6-2) on Saturday in the Guaranty Bank Holiday Classic.

ICC trailed 59-46 late in the fourth quarter but the Lady Indians surged back behind a Carley Brock corner three after an offensive rebound cut the deficit to three, 61-58, with 30 seconds left in regulation. Winters buried a contested three with seven seconds left to tie the game at 61-61. Trinity Valley pushed for a buzzer beater, but the layup rolled off and the teams headed to overtime.

Overtime swung in both directions. Dilworth floated in a baseline runner to give ICC a brief 65-64 lead, then followed it with a three pointer that made it 68-66. Brock added two clutch free throws to push the Lady Indians ahead 71-70 with 39 seconds left. Trinity Valley answered with a running scoop shot, taking a 72-71 lead with 25 seconds remaining.

ICC created a clean look out of a timeout, but the shot rolled off. The rebound deflected out of bounds off Trinity, yet the officials awarded possession to the Lady Cardinals with four seconds left. ICC was forced to foul. Trinity Valley hit both free throws to close out the win.

Brock led ICC with 17 points and eight rebounds. Winters added 15 and delivered the three that forced overtime. Amos posted nine points and seven boards before fouling out, and Dilworth contributed eight with two key shots in overtime.

The Lady Indians will enjoy their Thanksgiving break and return to action on Tuesday, December 2, when they travel to Calhoun Community College. 

Photo: Brian Oakley / nwccrangers.com