The William Jewell women's basketball team got into the win column for the first time this season, and did so in dramatic fashion topping New York Institute of Technology 68-59 in overtime at the CCA Division II Tip Off Classic. The win takes Jewell to 1-1 on the young season.
Unlike a day before, the Cardinals came out firing on Saturday as they built a 34-24 halftime lead behind some outstanding three point shooting. The Cardinals combined to hit six of 17 from behind the arc in the opening half while the Bears went 0-9.
Following another 9-3 run to open the third quarter, including three three-point shots Jewell built a 16 point lead before things began to unravel for the Cardinals. Beginning at the 6:24 mark, NYIT went on an 11-2 run to bring the game within seven to end the third period at 45-38.
The Bears continued their hot streak into the fourth quarter as they grabbed a 50-49 lead with under six minutes remaining. A three point shot from NYIT's Shanice Allen seemed to put the game away as the Bears held a five point lead with three minutes remaining and the Cardinals having had two turnovers on consecutive posessions. However, over the final two minutes Jewell took advantage of costly fouls by the Bears hitting all six free throw attempts to even the game at 57, including two from junior
Chris Keys with 30 seconds on the clock.
The overtime period was all Jewell as they outscored NYIT 11-2. Following two free throws from
Blair Klostermann, junior
Maddie Nelson hit a big three point shot to give the Cardinals a lead they would not relinquish. Four free throws from
Katie Finn put the game on ice for Jewell who went 14-14 from the charity stripe over the final seven minutes.
Nelson enjoyed an all-around game dropping in 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists, five steals, and went 4-6 from behind the arc. Klostermann added 13 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists with Keys chipping in eight points and also pulling down seven rebounds.
Jewell will wrap up the CCA Tip Off Classic tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. (PT) against California State-Dominguez Hills on their home court in Carson, Calif.
