PINEVILLE, La. – Huston-Tillotson University's women's basketball team outlasted Louisiana Christian by a score of 63-62 in a thrilling contest Thursday.
LCU's Princis Goff had a good look at a potential game-winning shot as time expired, but her attempt was off the mark and
Ariana Smith's 10th rebound of the game secured the win for the Rams (7-5, 5-5 RRAC) as the final horn sounded.
The host Wildcats (6-7, 3-6 RRAC) forced three LCU turnovers in the final 25 seconds that erased Huston-Tillotson's 62-57 advantage. After Smith missed two free throws with 10 seconds left, LCU called timeout with eight seconds left and chose to advance the ball to midcourt. However, HT's Tyajia Coleman stole the inbounds pass and after getting fouled, made one of two free throws to give the Rams their margin of victory.
Dyana Offutt scored 21 points and secured seven rebounds to lead the Rams in the win.
Anessa Dussette chipped in 12 points off the HT bench.
Smith handed out six assists and grabbed four steals for the Rams in addition to her 10 rebounds and two points. Coleman scored nine points, claimed six rebounds and recorded four steals, while
Danielle Porter also scored nine points.
Goff, the Red River Athletic Conference's leading scorer, led the Wildcats with 18 points despite playing only 21 minutes due to first-half foul trouble. Deja Tanks contributed 16 points and 14 rebounds for LCU.
LCU committed 30 turnovers in the game compared to only 18 for the Rams, but the Wildcats also outscored HT 22-18 in points off turnovers. LCU's efforts were also hindered by poor free throw shooting; the 'Cats shot 29 free throws (while HT only shot 14) but made only 13 (44.8 percent) of their attempts.
The Rams return to action Saturday, Jan. 20, when they visit LSU–Alexandria. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
– HT –
