RICHMOND, Ind. – The Earlham College women's basketball team battled back to force two overtimes, but Anderson University prevailed 79-76 in a Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) game at Schuckman Court on Saturday.
Earlham led by five (29-24) midway through the second quarter, but the Ravens scored the final 11 points of the half over a five-minute span.
Trailing by six at halftime, the Quakers opened the third quarter on an 8-0 run capped by two free throws from junior Maya Luney, giving Earlham a 37-35 edge. Anderson would regain the lead in the later stages of the third quarter, but senior Kasin Spay hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to get the Quakers within two points (46-44).
Anderson scored the first five points the fourth quarter and led by seven with nine minutes to play. Earlham responded, however, with a 14-6 run over the next five minutes. A three-pointer from junior Hannah Franklin finished the run and gave Earlham a 58-57 lead.
The teams traded baskets until senior Kiara Scott hit a free throw tying the game 61-61 with 1:12 to play in regulation. Both teams scored on their ensuing possessions and the Ravens regained possession with 30 seconds play with the score tied 63-63. The Quaker then defense forced a turnover with nine seconds left, but Earlham couldn't' convert as a potential game-winning jumper from Spay fell just short.
The Quakers scored the first four points of the first overtime, but Anderson converted on three straight possession to take a 69-67 lead. Needing a basket, Spay delivered with time winding down to force a second overtime.
The Ravens jumped out to a 7-2 run to open the second overtime. The Quakers got back within three when Spay hit a three-pointer with five seconds left. After a Quaker foul, Anderson missed both free throws, but Earlham's long distance heave was off the mark.
Franklin led all scorers with 23 points. The Lynn, Ind., native also agreed eight rebounds and dished out eight assists. Spay finished with 22 points while Luney added 12 points, a career-high 16 rebounds, and four blocks off of the bench.
Shelby Shaffer and Shannon Gavaghan each scored 22 points to lead the Ravens to victory.
Earlham returns to action on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. game against Rose-Hulman.