In a game defined by momentum swings and clutch performances,
Benedictine Mesa (AZ) held off no.17
Rocky Mountain (MT) for a hard-fought 68-64 win on Wednesday afternoon.
First Quarter:
The opening frame set the tone for a competitive contest. Benedictine Mesa struck first when
Alannah Northam hit a jumper, but Rocky Mountain answered with two free throws from
Isabelle Heggem to tie the game. Both teams traded baskets before
Olivia Arvallo caught fire, knocking down two three-pointers and adding a layup to give the Redhawks a 12-4 lead.
Rocky Mountain clawed back late in the quarter behind
Tailyn Black and
Brenna Linse, trimming the deficit to one. A free throw from
Shyla Moore briefly extended the Redhawks' lead, but Heggem's layup in the closing seconds tied the game at
15-15 heading into the second quarter.
Second Quarter:
Rocky Mountain opened the second quarter with a layup from
Paige Wasson, but Benedictine Mesa responded behind
Alexia Wilcox, who scored seven straight points, including a deep three that pushed the Redhawks ahead 22-17. Arvallo added another jumper to cap a 10-0 run.
The Bears fought back late, as Linse and Black combined for key buckets to cut the margin to two. Despite the rally, Benedictine Mesa held a slim
24-22 lead at halftime, thanks to strong perimeter shooting and defensive stops.
Third Quarter:
Rocky Mountain came out firing after the break, converting free throws and a three-pointer from Heggem to take a 29-24 lead. The Bears extended their advantage to eight after
Angelina Cavanaugh drilled a three and Linse dominated inside.
But Benedictine Mesa refused to fold.
Naomi Elliott sparked the comeback with two clutch threes, and
Kira Nowell added mid-range jumpers to pull the Redhawks within one. Elliott's third triple of the quarter cut the deficit to 50-46, keeping Benedictine Mesa within striking distance entering the final frame.
Fourth Quarter:
The final quarter was a thriller. Rocky Mountain struck first, but Elliott answered with her fourth three-pointer of the game, and Arvallo added a jumper to make it 52-51. Linse continued to power the Bears inside, but Benedictine Mesa countered with a decisive run—Northam scored on a layup, and Lepe hit two free throws before burying a huge three-pointer to give the Redhawks a 62-58 lead.
Rocky Mountain trimmed the margin to two in the final minute, but Benedictine Mesa's composure at the line sealed the win.
Leanna Lepe sank two free throws with 14 seconds remaining, and the Redhawks closed out a
68-64 victory.
Key Performers:
Looking Ahead: The Redhawks return to the court on January 3
rd as they return to conference play as they take on Park Gilbert at home.
