In what was simply an outstanding basketball game from start to finish, the Lancers went on the road and knocked off Waubonsee 74–70 in overtime, showing grit, poise, and resilience in one of the most exciting games of the season.
Waubonsee came out firing on all cylinders, jumping out to a 14–0 lead to open the game. Rather than panic, the Lancers stayed composed and together, slowly chipping away at the deficit. Their calm approach paid off late in the first quarter when Annamaria Luna knocked down a floater at the buzzer to cut the score to 29–20 to end the 1st quarter.
The momentum continued into the second quarter as the Lancers kept applying pressure on both ends of the floor. Their steady charge carried them into halftime trailing by just one point, 41–40, after overcoming the early onslaught.
After regrouping and making adjustments at halftime, the Lancers came out locked in. A back-and-forth third quarter saw multiple lead changes, but the Lancers edged ahead and took a one-point lead into the fourth quarter.
Late in the fourth, adversity struck when forward Monica Sierzputowski fouled out, but the Lancers refused to back down. Sophomore guards Annamaria Luna and Olivia Robinson steadied the group and kept the focus on finishing strong.
With 14 seconds remaining, the Lancers found themselves down two with the ball coming out of a timeout. Coach Morris drew up a look for Nevada Holm, whose potential game-winning three rattled in and out. After the ball went out of bounds with three seconds left, the Lancers had one final chance underneath their own basket. Olivia Robinson delivered a perfect pass to Arianna Myers, who finished at the rim as time expired to send the game to overtime.
The extra period was another battle, but the Lancers made winning plays when it mattered most. Freshman Hannah Reyes came up with a pair of huge rebounds, and she and Olivia Robinson combined for back-to-back trips to the free-throw line. Reyes and Robinson sealed the victory by knocking down three of the final four free throws.
The Lancers were led by Arianna Myers with 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Annamaria Luna added 17 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, while Olivia Robinson chipped in 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists. Monica Sierzputowski finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out, and Nevada Holm added 6 points and 10 rebounds, including several key boards late.
"With the way the game started, it would've been easy for our group to fold, but this team just keeps fighting," said Head Coach Tanner Morris. "I'm incredibly proud of their composure, their toughness, and their belief in each other. That's a special road win against a very good team."
With the win, the Lancers move back into a tie for second place in the conference with Waubonsee at 5–2, improving to 18–5 overall. They will be back in action Thursday as they travel to Oakton College for a 5:15 p.m. tipoff.
