It was a game where the two teams went toe-to-toe all afternoon long, and both had their chances to win the game. The Owensboro Lady Red Devils made enough free throws down the stretch to knock off the UHA Lady Blazers 53-49 in a tough, hard fought basketball game Saturday afternoon at Blazer Gym.
The game featured runs where it appeared that each team may have taken control of the game, only to see the other fight there way back in it.
The first quarter was a good indication of how the game would ultimately play out. Neither team would lead by more than four points in the opening quarter, and there were four lead changes over the course of the first eight minutes. A basket by Lily Hendricks put UHA up 16-14 at the quarter’s end.
The Lady Blazers scored the first five points of the second quarter, and looked to have things rolling their way leading 21-14. Owensboro fought their way back, outscoring UHA 12-6 over the rest of the first half to trail only 27-26 at the break.
With UHA leading 31-29 early in the 3rd quarter, it was the Lady Red Devils turn to try and take the game over. Owensboro went on a 10-0 spurt and took a 39-31 lead with 1:30 to go in the third. However, quick baskets from Lily Hendricks and Shiyah Forte cut the lead to 39-35 at the end of the quarter.
The 4th quarter began with the Lady Blazers completing an 8-0 run to tie the game at 39-39 with 6:58 to go. The rest of the quarter was a battle to the finish. Neither team would lead by more than 3 points until the Lady Red Devils sealed the 53-49 win with a free throw with 6.7 seconds left. The Lady Blazers were hindered by a couple of late turnovers on possessions where they had a chance to tie or take the lead. Also, Meghan Adams and Aisha Pantiere both fouled out in the game’s final moments.
UHA was led by Lily Hendricks with 14 points. Shiyah Forte added 12, while Alex Juckett scored eight.
Freshman Amaya Curry led the Lady Red Devils with 19 points, including 5 of 6 at the line in the 4th quarter.
The loss drops UHA to 9-6 on the season.