SHERMAN, Texas – The St. Thomas women's basketball team traveled to take on the Kangaroos in a conference matchup. UST battled through two overtimes to edge out Austin College 60-59 in a thrilling. With the victory, the Celts improve to 8-9 overall and 6-4 in conference.
The game started as a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm. The Roos held a slim 9-7 lead after the first quarter. In the second, Austin College started to find its groove, extending its advantage. However, St. Thomas kept pushing, with Audrey Hernandez knocking down a jumper and key free throws to trim the deficit to 22-18 at halftime.
Coming out of the break, the Celts wasted no time making a statement. A layup by Nora Aigberadion and free throws from Amyia Bowie gave St. Thomas a 24-22 edge. Midway through the third, the Celts built a 30-26 lead, but the Roos kept it close, cutting the margin to just two points heading into the final quarter.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle. Austin College quickly tied the game at 37 and later jumped ahead 43-39. With three minutes remaining, both teams traded baskets in a tense exchange. With 39 seconds left, the Roos held a 46-44 lead, but a clutch steal by Bowie led to an Amber Bourgeois layup, sending the game into overtime tied at 46-46.
In the first overtime, Austin College struck first, pulling ahead 50-46, but the Celts refused to back down. Ravyn Ellis put St. Thomas in front 52-51 with a layup at the two-minute mark. A late foul sent the Roos to the line, where they converted both free throws to force a second overtime at 53-53.
The second overtime was just as intense. Both teams exchanged baskets, tying the game at 55 before Austin College took a 58-55 lead with a minute left. With the game on the line, St. Thomas called a timeout to regroup. A defensive stop and a crucial foul sent the Roos to the line, where they made just one free throw, keeping the Celts within striking distance. In the final second, Kenna Gibson drilled a clutch jumper, drew the foul, and sank the game-winning free throw to seal the Celts' dramatic 60-59 victory.
Amyia Bowie led the charge with a double-double, posting 22 points and 10 rebounds while also tallying 6 assists and five steals. Ravyn Ellis added 9 points and was a defensive force with 4 steals. Kenna Gibson delivered in crunch time, finishing with 10 points, while Audrey Hernandez pulled down seven rebounds.
Up Next
The Celts will wrap up their conference road trip before returning home to face the University of Dallas on February 7 at 5:30 PM. The game will also serve as the Celts to Cure event, so fans are encouraged to come out and show their support! Stay updated by visiting USTCelts.com or following @ustwbasketball on Instagram.
