SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. – Down four with 22 seconds remaining, the Golden Eagles finished overtime on a 6-1 run, capped by freshman Riley Gottsponer's and-one at the left post, as the John Brown University women's basketball team outlasted Southwestern Christian (Okla.), 69-68, in overtime on Saturday afternoon (Feb. 1) inside Bill George Arena.
The Golden Eagles (12-10, 10-8 Sooner Athletic) relied on freshman Sarah Snodgrass, who recorded 14 of her team-leading 22 points in the second half and overtime, and a 16-rebound double-double effort. Sophomore Abbey Sanders added 19 points, including five three-pointers, and delivered seven assists and two blocks while senior Graci Harris also played a key role, finishing with 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
John Brown shot 39 percent (27-of-70) from the floor and 9-of-29 from beyond the arc (31 percent). The Golden Eagles were out-rebounded Southwestern Christian (7-15, 6-13) 43-42, but converted eight offensive boards into 13 second-chance points.
After trailing 33-28 at halftime, courtesy of a 19-2 SCU run to finish the half, John Brown used a 13-3 run late in the third and into the fourth, fueled by back-to-back three-pointers from Sanders, to regain a 50-49 lead. JBU extended its lead to 59-56 with just 78 seconds left in regulation, but Southwestern Christian responded by tying the game at 59, until Snodgrass' acrobatic lay-in with two seconds left seemingly won the contest. However, the visitors called time out and advanced the ball upcourt, and Jayden Mason's improbable-angled shot fell from midrange, forcing the first extra session of the Golden Eagles' season.
In overtime, both teams shot poorly, but a Snograss layup kept the Blue and Gold within striking distance. With the visitors up four with 16 seconds left, JBU leaned on Sanders' fifth triple of the afternoon to claw back within one. Forcing SCU to the foul line, the Eagle converted one with the hosts controlling the rebound. Out of timeout, Harris fed Gottsponer under the bucket and while drawing contact, Gottsponer got the layup to fall with eight seconds left.
She then gave the Golden Eagles a one-point lead from the charity stripe.
Delaney Reimer missed a last-second triple, finishing JBU's season sweep of the visitors.
Southwestern Christian was led by Kennedy Allison, who posted a game-high 23 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks while shooting 9-of-17 from the floor. Brooke Roberson added 14 points and knocked down three triples, while Jayden Mason chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds in the loss.
John Brown will now turn its attention to a tough series, beginning with Texas Wesleyan on Thursday night (Feb. 6) in Fort Worth. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m., with live coverage available on the SAC Sports Network as the Golden Eagles look to continue its strong play down the stretch.
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