By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
East Peoria, IL---The No. 9 Express women's basketball team saw a late, seven point lead slip away in a 76-68 overtime loss to No. 13 Community College of Rhode Island.
Up seven, the Express forced two rushed shots late. CCRI took advantage, drilled a three, turned up the defensive pressure and tied the game with about 20 seconds left.
Karahn Scott missed a jumper at the buzzer that could have won it. In overtime, the Express were outscored 12-4. They did have a one point lead just minutes into overtime on a fast break lay-up from Mackenzie Heacock, but point guard Nandi Taylor was injured on the play and did not return.
Heacock did her best to help the Express win as the sophomore scored the team's first seven points, as well as nine of the team's first 11, en route to a team-high 20 points.
Scott added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Jordyn Bond had 10 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and three blocks. Her rebound, assist and block totals were team-highs.
The Express led by as many as 13 (26-13 in the first half) before CCRI trimmed it to five to end the half. The Express also led by double figures in the second half.
Taylor was second on the team with six assists, while adding nine points, before her exit.
Allexia Barros led CCRI with 28 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Nyjah Porcher had 15 points, Jenna Ayala had 11 and Ahnyyah Jackson had 10 points. Ayala added a game-high 11 rebounds.
CCRI outproduced the Express at the 3-point line and foul line to assist the victory. The Express finished just 4-for-18 from 3-point range and 2-for-8 from the foul line, while CCRI was 8-for-20 from 3-point range and 8-for-16 from the foul line.
The Express fall into the loser's bracket with the loss. They will take on the loser of the game currently going on between No. 8 Louisburg College and Erie Community College on Thursday at 9 a.m.
