Ft. Gibson Holds Off Jay In Nail Biter

With just seconds left on the clock in a game that went shot-for-shot, the Lady Tigers kept their perfect season by edging past the Lady Bulldogs, 48-44.

Thursday, July 28th 2011, 6:10 pm

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Mar 10, 2011 10:17 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY – Ft. Gibson’s Nana Wallace hit jump shot to push her team ahead 46-44 with just :28 seconds left on the clock, pushing her team to the 48-44 victory and advance in the state tournament.

The Lady Bulldogs were called for traveling on the next play, giving the Lady Tigers possession. They were promptly fouled, sending Jodi Glover to the charity line, where she made both free throws to secure the win.

Ft. Gibson and Jay went shot-for-shot in the final few minutes of Thursday’s semifinal matchup, but the Lady Tigers edged their way to a 48-44 victory to advance in the state tournament.

The Lady Tigers saw their undefeated season in jeopardy early, falling behind 14-7 to the Lady Bulldogs by the end of the first quarter. Ft. Gibson muscled their way back in it, going on an 8-3 run in the second quarter. They managed to narrow Jay’s lead to three, ending the first half 23-20.

The battle continued in the third when Ft. Gibson took their first lead of the game. With 4:51 left in the quarter, Julia Hill took off on a fast break, getting a layup to take the 25-23 lead.

The Lady Bulldogs answered back, nailing a long 3 to regain the lead, 26-25.

The lead exchange continued through the final minutes of the third quarter, the Bulldogs claiming the narrow 30-29 lead heading into the fourth. The final quarter of the game was shot-for-shot, with both teams playing with any ounce of energy they could muster. Both teams played physical, both played to survive.

The Lady Tigers will continue their search for their first Gold Ball in the quarterfinals.