McPherson, Kan. – The Central Christian College of Kansas Women’s Basketball team hosted the Midland University Warriors on Saturday during Homecoming weekend. There would be no shortage of fireworks as we saw the game need overtime to find a winner and a school record setting performance from Kylee Jones.
The first half was about as even as it could get, as the Warriors took a 24-23 lead into the halftime break. In the first half, the Tigers were 0-8 from beyond the 3-point line but converted 11-16 free throws to keep them in the game.
The Tigers came out of the half firing on all cylinders as they shot 50% from the floor and were 3-7 from deep and would go on to take a one point lead into the fourth quarter.
Midland would not go down without a fight though, as they outscored the Tigers 11-10 in the fourth quarter to force overtime. The Tigers responded with the fight and resilience that we have seen early on in this season. Down four with 1:36 left, Kylee Jones scored to cut the Warrior lead to two. The next possession, Haiden Smoke came up with a steal that allowed the Tigers to get to the other end and tie the game with just 18 seconds left. The Warriors attempt to win the game fell short and tied at 54 a piece, to overtime we went.
Mia Kittner started the scoring in overtime with another three pointer and the Tiger defense continued to make it tough for the Warriors to get to the basket and find good shots. The Tigers would go on to win 66-60 in overtime for their first win of the season.
Kylee Jones set a school record, scoring 42 points on 11-23 shooting and converting 18-19 free throws. Jones currently leads the NAIA in scoring, averaging 29.5 points per game. Mia Kittner added 10 points and six rebounds, and Haiden Smoke was all over the court, tallying three steals and seven rebounds. As a team, the Tigers forced 25 turnovers but were outrebounded 46-27.Despite this, they were able to consistently get to the free throw line, converting 81% of their attempts on the night.
The Tigers (1-3), turn their attention to the Hesston College as they host the Larks on Tuesday night at 6:00pm inside Jerry E. Alexander Arena. The game will also be streamed live on the SAC Sports Network.
