Late Free Throws Help Spires Get Past Braves

Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Women's Basketball team hosted the Ottawa Braves on Wednesday, resulting in a 72-70. The Spires are now 12-3 overall and 9-0 in the KCAC. 

Free throws got Saint Mary going to open the game, and Keely Barnard hit a three to give them a 10-2 lead. The Braves responded with a scoring run of their own late in the first quarter to take a 19-17 lead. Barnard hit another three to make it a 22-21 lead. However, Ottawa retook the lead and extended it to eight points with three minutes to go in the half. Demi Aamold and Kate Harter cut into the growing lead, but the Spires could not match the offensive output of the Braves. Saint Mary entered halftime down 35-30. 

After the break, Aamold hit another three go to down by two, but the Brave's offense persisted and retained their lead. Kaylani Hoskin hit two free throws to stay within six points of Ottawa. The Braves built a ten-point lead with just under four minutes to play. A few more free throws and a layup from Alanis Delgado brought Saint Mary within six points of the lead. The Braves continued to score, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout most of the fourth quarter. With time winding down, Paige Pendley sparked a 9-2 scoring run, making it a one-point game. 

Alyche Brown hit two late free throws, and Pendley hit a layup, giving the Spires a 71-70 lead. The Siant Marey defense forced a turnover with 1.4 seconds; on the ensuing possession, Pendley was fouled and hit her first free throw to make it a 72-70 ball game. Her next shot bounced around the rim and came to rest perfectly on the back iron, forcing a jump ball and giving possession back to the Spires, letting them run out the clock. 

Pendley led the team in scoring with 19 points, while Aamold and Sims each had 10 points. Sims also had nine rebounds on the night. 

Up Next

Saint Mary will host Evangel University at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Ryan Sports Center.