Box Score FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State University women's basketball team used a 6-0 run in the final minutes of Thursdays SIAC match-up against Spring Hill College to take down the Badgers, 64-61, at the Exum Center.
Spring Hill (8-8, 5-3 SIAC) came out firing in the opening half, scoring the first six points of the game, but Kentucky State (9-4, 5-2 SIAC) answered with a 13-2 run that was capped by a
Shaia Horton 3-pointer set up by one of point guard
Jessica Jones game-high six assists. The Thorobrettes would build their lead to as many as 10 points in the first half before heading into the locker room with a 38-31 lead.
SHC was plagued by turnovers all day, turning the ball over 22 times on Thursday. The Thorobrettes, who had 14 steals as a unit, were able to capitalize on the Spring Hill mistakes, racking up 27 points off turnovers.
With one minute to play in the contest, the Badgers held a 61-58 lead over KSU. Horton stepped to the line and sank a pair of free throws for KSU to pull the Thorobrettes within one point. Back on the defensive end, Horton came away with a steal with 30 seconds left, but was unable to convert a jumper on the other end and the Badgers took possession, up by one, with under 30 seconds remaining.
After fouling to stop the clock, SHC had a pair of chances to extend their lead with free throws. Forward Camry Johnson missed a free-throw that was corralled by SHC's Elissa VandeWaa who was immediately fouled. VandeWaa also missed her free-throw opportunity but the Badgers came up with another offensive rebound, this time from Twarner Witherspoon but she couldn't stay in bounds and turned the ball over to KSU with just over 20 seconds remaining.
Now with the ball and a chance to take the lead, KSU guard
Taylor Sanders found forward
Logan Powell under the basket for a go-ahead layup with 15 seconds left. After a Jones steal, Horton would ice the game for the home team with two free throws. As SHC was trying to get a last-second shot off, Sanders came up with a steal to secure the conference victory for KSU.
Horton led a short-handed KSU squad with 16 points to go along with four boards and a pair of steals.
Brieona Warner was active at both ends of the floor, dropping in 13 points and pulling down six rebounds while also picking up a game-high four steals on the defensive end.
Shayla Moore added 11. Jones finished with nine points and three steals to go with her six assists.
Center Leah Washington led Spring Hill with 12 points to go along with 8 points. While Washington was the only Badger to score in double-figures, SHC did have four finish with eight or more points. Camry Johnson finished with six points and nine rebounds.
Kentucky State continues their current three-game home stand when they host Tuskegee on Saturday afternoon. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. at the Exum Center.
