Huskies Earn Hard-Fought Overtime Win Over USD, 74-70

Jamie Spriggs records double-double

Jamie Spriggs (Photo by Anthony Vasser)

HOUSTON – There were 12 total lead changes but in the end, the Huskies made six free throws in the final 1:20 to earn a 74-70 overtime win over visiting South Dakota Thursday night in Sharp Gym.

HBU only shot 33 percent from the field for the game compared to USD’s 46 percent, but made up for it by grabbing 49 rebounds and committing a season-low 14 turnovers.

The Huskies led at halftime, 33-25, as Destini Texada paved the way with nine points and was tied for the team lead with four rebounds, along with Shirolacille Holloway. Abby Kinder led the Coyotes with five points in the first half.

The second half saw that 10-point lead evaporate as USD opened with a 13-3 run to tie the game at 38 apiece five minutes into the second half. The game was back-and-forth the rest of the way, with no team leading by more than six. Kinder made one of two free throws with 27 seconds left to send the game into overtime, knotted at 60. There were four ties in the final 3:58 of regulation.

HBU outscored USD 14-10 in overtime for the win. Kinder’s free throw with 1:46 remaining gave the visitors their largest lead of the extra frame, at 67-64. But the Huskies stormed right back and had their largest lead of overtime at 73-68, thanks to a pair of Raquel Jones free throws with 20 seconds remaining and the Huskies held.

Jamie Spriggs led HBU in points and rebounds, earning her first double-double on the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Texada finished the game with 11 points and five rebounds, while Holloway had six points and nine boards. The reigning Great West Player of the Week, Amber Hegge, led the Coyotes with 22 points before fouling out with just under four minutes left in the second half. Jasmine Mosley and Kinder each had 17 points, while Mosley led USD with 12 rebounds. Kinder also had four assists and three steals.

The Huskies had a decisive 34-2 advantage in bench points, while also scoring 27 points off 21 Coyote turnovers.

HBU (3-15, 1-2 GWC) will host North Dakota Saturday at 5:35 pm.