TAHLEQUAH, OK – Living large at the free throw line in overtime, the University of Mary women's basketball team edged the University of Central Oklahoma 75-73 to open play at the Central Region Classic. The Marauders outscored the Bronchos 14-12 in the extra session with all but two of UMary's points coming on free throws.
UMary (2-2 overall) never trailed in the contest until Central Oklahoma (0-1) took its first lead with just over six minutes to play in regulation. The two teams exchanged leads four times in the final minute of play.
Down 61-59 with time running out, a
Lexie Schneider jumper in the lane with eight seconds left pulled the Marauders even and sent the game to overtime.
Two free throws apiece by
Megan Zander and
Mariah McKeever to start overtime gave UMary a 65-61 advantage and a lead that would never be relinquished. Four times the Bronchos pulled within a single possession but each time the Marauders immediately responded. UMary made 12-of-16 at the line to hold off Central Oklahoma.
The Marauders finished the game 33-of-46 at the free throw line while the Bronchos finished 15-of-19.
Overall the Marauders struggled from the floor, shooting 30.2% from the field overall and 4-of-22 behind the arc. The Bronchos made 35.6% of their shots, including a 6-of-15 effort on 3s.
UMary dominated the boards, grabbing 56 rebounds to 44 for UCO.
Schneider led the Marauders in scoring for the 4
th straight game. The senior had 18 points while finishing 8-of-9 at the line. She had a game-high 15 rebounds and chipped in three assists and two steals.
McKeever posted 11 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
Ryleigh Wacha had 10 points and four blocks.
Moriku Hakim came off the bench to score ten points and rip down five rebounds. She was 8-of-10 at the line.
Reagan Fox scored a game-high 21 points for UCO.
The Marauders wrap up the Central Region Challenge on Saturday, November 11, when UMary faces tournament host Northeastern State University at 5:30 pm.
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