EDINBURGH — Two free throws by sophomore Emmy Wendling with 12.1 seconds remaining lifted the Southwestern (Shelby) girls basketball team to a 48-46 overtime Mid-Hoosier Conference thriller at Edinburgh on Thursday night.
A last-second shot by the Lancers’ Allie Schooler fell short at the buzzer.
It was Edinburgh’s second straight overtime loss. The Lancers (5-7, 1-3) fell 50-48 in overtime to visiting Hauser on Tuesday.
Early on, the Spartans’ accurate perimeter shooting threatened to put the game out of reach, but a gritty performance by the Lancers, especially on the boards, kept them in contention throughout.
Edinburgh’s downfall, however, can be tracked to the third quarter. The Lancers scored only three points in the period, avoiding going scoreless only when sophomore Mackenzie Hill sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Southwestern got off to a hot offensive start by making six early 3-pointers, but Edinburgh used its height advantage to keep the Spartans from getting second-chance shots when perimeters shots didn’t fall.
As a result, Edinburgh trailed only 28-27 at halftime.
But the Lancers couldn’t capitalize offensively in the third quarter. Despite the long scoring drought, they remained in contention.
Edinburgh’s defense kept the Spartans from extending their lead, while the Lancers’ offense opened up a bit.
Southwestern scored only five points in fourth quarter, while Hill hit another big shot — a game-tying 3-pointer with 20 seconds left in regulation to set up overtime.
Hill hit one more 3 in overtime, but the Spartans eventually put the game away at the free-throw line.
Schooler led Edinburgh with 13 points.
Wendling led Southwestern with 13 points. Emma Abel added 12 for the Spartans (8-3, 6-0).
