Marshall, Texas-A clutch three-pointer by East Texas Baptist senior Enid Sanchez with just two seconds left lifted the Lady Tigers past Ozarks 55-54 in a down to the wire American Southwest Conference game Thursday.
Ozarks (8-10, 6-9 ASC) overcame a sluggish first half and appeared to have the game in its possession after April Young scored with eight seconds remaining to put the Lady Eagles ahead 54-52. But Sanchez had other ideas as she scored five points in less than fifteen seconds for East Texas Baptist (6-12, 4-9 ASC).
The Lady Eagles shot an uncharacteristic 1-of-17 (5%) from the three-point line in the first half, but still only trailed by seven points at intermission. Lacey Phillips had a strong second half as she scored 13 points and grabbed six rebounds. Her three-pointer at the 15:23 mark of the second half pulled Ozarks within 32-27. That sparked the Lady Eagles on a 12-4 run over a seven-minute stretch. Ozarks then took the lead, 38-36, with 8:04 remaining, and Phillips converted a three-point play on Ozarks next possession to increase its advantage. Another three-pointer by Phillips with 1:51 left tied the contest, 50-50, and Sabrina Goddard sank two free throws with 38 seconds left before Sanchez scored back-to-back baskets.
Phillips led Ozarks with 18 points. Goddard posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Ozarks will travel to Centenary College for a game January 28.
Topics: Athletics