GALESBURG, Illinois—The Prairie Fire needed two overtimes to finish Monmouth, but succeeded in pulling out the 116-111 victory in thrilling fashion.
For the second time in two weeks, Knox (4-0, 1-0 MWC) got a game-tying three pointer from
Hailey Leinart (Gurnee, IL, Warren Township) to send the game into overtime. Still tied after the first overtime, the Prairie Fire pulled away late in the second overtime period after
Jamie Blue (Urbana, IL, University) converted a three-point play and
Karlie Thorn (Henderson, NV, Coronado) hit a jumper in the final minute.
Thorn led Knox with 24 points, while Blue and
Kayla Brown (Roseville, CA, Wilton Christian) both finished with double-doubles. Brown had 14 points and 16 rebounds, both career highs, and Blue had 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Saundra Gavazzi (Gilbert, AZ, Chandler) added 18 points, while
Naja Woods (Minneapolis, MN, Southwest) and Leinart both had 13 points.
The Prairie Fire will look to continue their hot start as they travel to Lake Forest on Saturday for a 5:00 p.m. game.
