It was a hard-fought battle from the opening tip, as neither Ellsworth nor Lyons led by more than six points, and numerous lead changes and ties were seen.
Ellsworth led 11-9 after one period. The game was tied 20-20 at halftime. Ellsworth led again at the end of the third period 32-30. In a wild fourth quarter in which lead changes were frequent, Tucker Goss of Ellsworth hit a contested 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded, tying the game 45-45 at the end of regulation, and Ellsworth would win 54-52 in overtime.
Cooper McGowan made 1 of 2 free throws to give Ellsworth a two-point lead with 3 seconds remaining. Paco Espinoza got off a shot from half court for the win, but the ball went off the left side of the rim as Ellsworth escaped.
Ellsworth was led by Tucker Goss with 22 points. Cooper McGowan scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half, including 3 of 4 free throws in the overtime period.
Tegan Link was the leading scorer for Lyons with 18 points. Also scoring in double digits for the Lions were Detrell Stanley with 16 points all coming in the second half, and Paco Espinoza with 13 points.
Ellsworth 70 girls, Lyons 13
The game started slow with Ellsworth leading 8-6 and Lyons with possession and a chance to tie with 2:35 remaining in the first period. Then, Ellsworth cranked up the defense to create offense and pulled away, leading at halftime 47-6.
Ellsworth was led in scoring by Lainey Peschka with 18 points. Also scoring in double figures were Kari Place with 12 and Kinley Place with 10 points.
Leading the way for Lyons was Greta Showalter with five points.
Ellsworth advances their season record to 11-4 and 5-3 in league play. Lyons is now 2-15 for the season and 0-8 in NCAA action.
