St. Andrews Knights Clinch Thriller in Overtime, 78-77
It was a dramatic finish in what turned out to be an unforgettable game for the St. Andrews Knights as they triumphed over a Union Commonwealth in a nail-biting overtime thriller, 78-77. With the game on the line and seconds ticking away, guard AJ Price sank a contested three-pointer from the top of the arc to give the Knights their first lead of the extra period and the victory.
The game had everything: high-intensity action, clutch performances, and a wild finish that had fans on the edge of their seats. St. Andrews (NC) rallied from a late deficit in regulation to force overtime, but it was Price, who finished with 15 points.
The Knights' Path to Victory
The Knights were led by Price, but it was the team's depth and all-around effort that kept them in the game. Forward Ashley Starks delivered a monster performance, pouring in a game-high 28 points, including four three-pointers. She also chipped in five rebounds and seven assists, cementing her status as one of the key players in this thrilling win.
While Starks was the standout scorer, the Knights' defense also proved critical, particularly when it mattered most. In a tight, back-and-forth overtime period, Union managed to clamp down on the Knights' key players, but Price's clutch shot broke the deadlock.
Londaisha Smith also played a crucial role, contributing 14 points, four assists, and four rebounds. Smith's ability to drive and create opportunities for her teammates was a key part of the Knights' offensive flow.
In addition to the stellar performances from the starters, the bench provided valuable minutes, with Madison Larrimore's 3 points and 5 rebounds in 12 minutes helping to keep the team fresh throughout the game.
Union started strong but was unable to fully separate from their opponents. The game was a constant tug-of-war, with both teams exchanging leads throughout. The decisive play came in overtime when, with the game knotted at 75-75, AJ Price calmly sank a three-pointer with just seconds remaining. The Knights would hold on to the 78-77 lead, securing a hard-fought win that was as much about grit and heart as it was about skill.
Looking Ahead
The St. Andrews Knights head into the next stretch of their season with renewed confidence after this dramatic victory. The game was a testament to their resilience and their ability to perform under pressure. With AJ Price showing her clutch gene and Starks continuing her dominant play, this team is capable of making noise in the rest of their conference play.
Next up for the Knights, they will face Pikeville in their next home game. After this dramatic win, they'll look to build momentum and continue their climb through the standings.
By: Morgan Cox