By Steve J. Moga
(Sugar Grove, IL.) – Waubonsee Community College's women's basketball team's hopes for an Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference title took a big hit Tuesday evening in Erickson Hall Gymnasium. The Chiefs (16-4, 5-2) suffered a nail-biting overtime loss to the College of Lake County 74-70. After a hot start Waubonsee went cold in the second half shooting just 19 percent (8 of 42) from the field in falling to the Lancers. The Chiefs, who entered the evening just one game back of league leader Moraine Valley Community College in the standings, fell two-games off the pace and into a second-place tie with Lake County halfway through the conference schedule. The Chiefs and Cyclones (18-3, 7-0) are set to square off tomorrow evening at Waubonsee in a must-win game for Jim Williams' crew.
Against the Lancers, the Chiefs came out on fire in the first quarter nailing their first four three-point attempts in jumping out to a 14-3 lead after three minutes of play. The Lancers rallied and pulled within 29-20 at the end of the period despite Waubonsee shooting 12 of 18 (66 percent) from the floor in the first quarter. Lake County then closed out the second quarter on an 8-0 run to get within a point at 41-40 as the teams headed to the break. The Lancers then took their first lead of the game a minute into the third quarter. A three-pointer by the Lancers' Annamarie Luna with 0:30 remaining in the period put the visitors in front 54-52 heading into the final stanza. In the fourth quarter alone there were three lead changes and three ties. Waubonsee led 65-63 with 0:21 to go and missed an opportunity to add to its' lead with a pair of missed free throws. The Lancers then misfired twice on their ensuing possession but got the rebound and called timeout with just 0:03 left. Lake County's Arriana Myers then scored in the lane just before the buzzer to knot the game and send it to overtime. In the extra session the Chiefs went only 2 for 8 (25 percent) from the floor, turned the ball over once and committed three fouls. The Lancers cashed in with a huge basket by reserve Hannah Reyes, a pair of free throws by Olivia Robinson and a game-clinching foul shot by Reyes with 0:07 left.
Three Chiefs finished with 14 points led by Danielle Bulson, who fouled out in the fourth quarter. The freshman guard also grabbed 10 rebounds to book a double-double, and handed out eight assists. Niallie Evans also netted 14 points, dished out seven assists and recorded five steals. Josie Larson tallied 14 points, including four long range baskets, and snagged six boards. Savannah FitzSimons finished with nine points and six rebounds, while Makayla McNally netted eight points and hauled down 13 boards.
The Chiefs host Moraine Valley tomorrow, Thursday, January 29 beginning at 5:15 p.m. The men's contest is set to begin at 7:15 p.m. in Erickson Hall. The game can be seen 'live' at www.fan.hudl.com and then search for Waubonsee women's or men's basketball. Waubonsee Sports Information Specialist Steve Moga with be providing the play-by-play on both the broadcasts.