FRANKLIN SPRINGS, GA - The women's basketball team played another tight game on Tuesday night, forcing overtime for the second game in a row, this time against North Greenville. The Crusaders came out on top after the extra minutes, 67-63. This moves Emmanuel's record to 2-8 overall and 2-5 in league play.
A slow-paced first quarter ended with the Lions leading by one, 7-6. With the scored tied at 10-10 in the second quarter, the Crusaders put a run together that included 10 unanswered points as they didn't let Emmanuel score for six minutes. The Lions broke the cold streak by putting up five points in under a minute, leading to a 20-15 Crusaders lead at halftime.
NGU got their advantage back to double-digits early in the second half, leading 35-25. The Lions inched their way back in the game, but still trailed by six points with 10 minutes left, 41-35. A three pointer by senior Allison Smith was the first basket of the final quarter, getting Emmanuel back within a possession. However, the Crusaders remained in control until they led 49-41 with three and a half minutes left. With a tall task in front of them, sophomore Sydney Wyatt led the charge for Emmanuel. Wyatt converted a pair of free throws before junior Jazmin Allen forced a turnover. Wyatt then splashed a three pointer to get the Lions back within a possession, 49-46. Then, with the score 52-48 Crusaders, Wyatt cashed one more from beyond the arc. After getting a stop on defense, Smith sank her third three of the night, giving the Lions their first lead since the second quarter, 54-52. But the Crusaders took it to the basket with 23 seconds left, tying the game at 54. The Lions got the chance for a buzzer beater but narrowly didn't convert, sending the game into extra minutes.
Jazmin Allen scored seven points in overtime, but hot shooting kept the Crusaders in the lead, 64-63. The Lions got possession with 17 seconds left, but turned the ball over to NGU. Jykya Bell then converted a layup for the Crusaders and got fouled, going to the line with 15 seconds remaining. However, the free throw was missed and the Lions got the ball. After a blocked three pointer, there was a frantic scramble for the ball as the seconds ticked down. The ball went out of bounds and was given to the Crusaders. Excellent defense on the inbound by the Lions sent the ball flying out once more. Initially possession was given to Emmanuel with only three seconds on the clock. However, a reversal on the call ruled that the Lions had touched it last, ending Emmanuel's hopes as NGU put it away with a final free throw, 67-63.
Sydney Wyatt led the way for the Lions with 21 points and 6 rebounds. Allison Smith followed with 12 points, making three shots from three point range.
Next up, women's basketball will head to pickle town to face Mount Olive on Saturday, December 18 at 2:00pm.
For more on Emmanuel College athletics, visit goeclions.com.
