Frisco, Texas – The #4 Dustdevils (25-6) opened post season play with a 90-80 triple overtime victory over #5 Lubbock Christian (21-9). The win marks the first triple overtime game in women's or men's LSC tournament history.
Following an initial 2-point lead secured by the Chaps, the Dustdevils took command for the remainder of the first half. TAMIU shot 12-26 (46%) from the field and 2-7 (29%) from three-point range. Samayah Worrell and
Ngozi Obineke led TAMIU's offense, both with 10 first-half points.
LCU shot 38% on 6-16 from the field and 29% (2-7) from beyond the arc in the first half.
After a first half controlled by the Dustdevils, TAMIU took a 34-23 lead into the half.
The third quarter was tightly contested, with the Chaps winning the quarter 15-13, but the Dustdevils held onto their lead 47-38. The fourth quarter saw LCU mount a comeback, wildling the score down to just a 2-point Dustdevil lead with :47 left in regulation. With :22 left on the clock, LCU tied the game at 63. The Dustdevils had the last possession, but couldn't connect, sending the game into overtime. In the fourth quarter, TAMIU went 5-11 (45.45%) from the field and 1-5 (20%) from beyond the arc compared to LCU's 58.33% from the field and 40% from three-point range.
The overtime periods were marked by relentless efforts from both teams. In the first overtime, both teams scored 10 points each, maintaining the stalemate. The Dustdevils shot 42.86% from the field on 3-7, compared to LCU's 57.14% on 4-7 shooting from the field. The second overtime remained deadlocked with TAMIU and LCU scoring 4 points apiece, prolonging the suspense. The Dustdevil bench stepped up in the third overtime, with three of the five starters fouling out of the game. TAMIU dominated with a significant 13-3 run, ultimately securing the victory.
Raiana Brown led the Dustdevils with a double-double contributing 26 points and 10 rebounds, while
Samiyah Worrell added 16 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals.
Ngozi Obineke contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds.
Malea Jackson also scored double digits with 11 points and 8 rebounds.
LCU's Grace Foster led her team with 22 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Dustdevils' resilient performance.
With the win, the Dustdevils advance to the Semifinal round on Saturday, March 9 at 6:00pm.
