Basketball Slips By Faulkner In Double Overtime

Two free throws with eight seconds remaining of the second overtime helped propel the Brenau basketball team past Faulkner (Ala.) University 99-97 in double overtime on Saturday in Gainesville.

Autumn Dodson sank two free throws after being fouled, then the Brenau defense held fast on a final shot to give the Golden Tigers their first conference win of the season.

After being down 14-12 at the end of the first quarter, the Golden Tigers outscored the Eagles 18-14 in the second period to take a 30-28 halftime lead. In the second half, both teams continued to battle as the matchup saw 22 lead changes and 21 ties.

With 15 seconds remaining in regulation, Briah Woods knocked down two free throws to tie the game at 76-76, but Faulkner's China Leary missed two free throws with three seconds on the clock to send the game to overtime.

In the first overtime, Faulkner led the entire period until Quinnesha Turner nailed a three-pointer with 29 seconds remaining to send the game into a second overtime.

In the second overtime, Maegan Kenimer scored in the post to give Brenau a 94-92 with 4:30 to play. Woods then hit one of two free throws to give the Golden Tigers their biggest lead of the overtime, 95-92, however Faulkner responded with a bucket and a foul shot to tie the game 95-95 with two minutes to play.

At the 1:47 mark, Dominique Patrick made one of two foul shots for a 96-95 lead, but Faith LeGate answered with a score in the paint to give the visitors a one point lead with 1:04 remaining.

With 40 seconds to go, Jasmine Knight tied the score with one of two free throws made, then Dodson made her final two foul shots to secure the win.

"This was a very tough game played between two very evenly matched teams," said head coach Kris Stewart. "Coach Sutton's squad pushed us all game long and we are fortunate to get the win. They are a very balanced team and they are indicative of how tough conference play can be."

Woods led Brenau with 21 points, while Sydney Haas scored 20 points. Knight added 19 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, while Dodson chipped in 14. Turner also added 12.

LeGate led all scorers with 33 points.

Brenau (8-1 overall, 1-0 SSAC) takes a break for finals, then picks up SSAC play on December 31st against the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama at 2 pm central time.