ORU Women Win Conference Opener With Buzzer Beater

The Golden Eagles went on an 11-4 to end the game and win by two.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 12:04 pm

By: News On 6

ORU Women Win Conference Opener With Buzzer Beater

Originally Published: Dec 2, 2010 10:1 PM CDT

Corey DeMoss
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

MACOMB, Illinois – Oral Roberts' Jaci Bigham hit a jumper at the buzzer Thursday to give the Golden Eagles a 68-66 win over Western Illinois in their conference opener.

The Golden Eagles (4-5, 1-0) trailed for much of the game and were down five points with less than four minutes left in the game. But ORU finished on a 9-4 run to take its first lead of the second half.

The Leathernecks (0-6, 0-1) tied the game with time winding down, seemingly setting things up for overtime. But Bigham ran the floor and hit a leaning jump shot as time expired to give ORU the win.

Bigham led all scorers with 18 points and was one of four ORU players in double figures. Georgia Jones scored 14, while Kevi Luper and Jordan Pyle each added 13.

Western Illinois (0-6, 0-1) had similar offensive production, with four players carrying the load. Valencia Kelly led the team with 16 points, Jackie Rieger scored 15, Michele Salvatori 12 and Sadie Webb added 10.

The Golden Eagles have recovered from a five-game losing streak to win their last two. They will continue their road trip to start conference play against IUPUI at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.