WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College went toe-to-toe with York (NE) for 40 minutes Saturday afternoon, but a basket in the final seconds lifted the Panthers to a 76-74 win in a Conference women's basketball game at Stewart Field House.
The contest featured constant momentum swings, multiple ties and five lead changes, with neither team able to pull away. Southwestern had a chance to win in the closing seconds, but a 3-point attempt at the buzzer narrowly missed as York escaped with the victory.
The teams were tied 20-20 after the opening quarter as both sides traded baskets early. York built a small cushion in the second quarter and took a 44-37 lead into halftime, but the Lady Builders never let the game get out of reach.
Southwestern came out strong in the third quarter, using balanced scoring and defensive pressure to outscore York 23-19. The run brought the Lady Builders within one heading into the final period and set up a tense fourth quarter.
The final 10 minutes saw back-and-forth action with the score tied or within a single possession for much of the quarter. Southwestern briefly took the lead midway through the fourth, and the game was tied at 74 with under 20 seconds remaining after Macey Pond split a pair of free throws.
York answered with a driving layup with 10 seconds left. Southwestern called timeout and worked for a final look, but the potential game-winning shot came up short.
Pond led the Lady Builders with 23 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in an all-around performance. Kennedy Ford scored a team-high 24 points, while Breanna Goad added 19 points and connected on five 3-pointers. Martha De La Rosa contributed eight points off the bench.
York was paced by Destiny Shepherd's 25 points, while Sylvia Valentino scored 17, including the game-winning basket. Alliyana Page added nine points and 10 rebounds as the Panthers held a narrow edge on the boards.
Southwestern (4-17, 0-15) continues conference play at home Wednesday, Feb. 4, when the Lady Builders host Oklahoma Wesleyan University at 5 p.m. at Stewart Field House. The night will include Ladies Night, National Girls and Women in Sports Day recognition, and Female All-Conference Night at halftime.
