GALESBURG, Illinois - The Prairie Fire women's basketball team lost an 84-82 non-conference game in overtime to Westminster on Monday night.
Knox jumped out to a 10-4 lead early in the first quarter. The Bluejays tied the score at 16-16 later in the period, but the Prairie Fire finished on a 7-0 run to end the quarter.
With 8:16 to play in the second period, Knox held a 28-19 lead. Westminster reeled off an 8-0 run to cut their deficit to just one, but Knox responded with six straight points to go back up by seven. The Bluejays then finished the half with a 12-0 run to take a 39-34 lead into halftime.
Westminster struck first in the second half to increase their run to 14-0, but the Prairie Fire soon tied the score at 43-43. After a few lead changes, the Bluejays held a 52-51 edge heading into the final period.
Knox took a 66-57 lead with 4:10 to play, but Westminster used another 12-0 run to take a three point lead with 1:38 to play. The Bluejays held a four point advantage with 1:01 left on the clock, but Sarina Dacio hit a pair of free throws with 37 seconds left to bring the Prairie Fire within two. Catessa Duran grabbed a steal on the ensuing possession and Loraya Rocha sank two free throws to send the game to overtime.
Duran gave Knox the lead with the first basket of overtime, but neither team could gain more than a two point advantage. Knox led 79-78 with 1:22 to play, but Westminster converted a layup the next possession to take the lead. A blocked shot by the Bluejays gave them the ball and they made two free throws to take the three point lead with 28 seconds left. Sophie Elstone tied the game with a three-pointer with 14 seconds, but Westminster hit a pair of free throws to earn the victory.
Rocha led Knox with 21 points and 13 rebounds to pick up a double-double off the bench. All five starters also racked up double digits in scoring. Duran posted another all-around game with 14 points, nine boards, eight steals, seven assists, and three blocks.
"We had some players step up tonight like Loraya," said head coach Kira Mowen. "Unfortunately other players had down games and we allowed way too many points to be scored on free throws. Credit to Westminster for hitting 87% of their free throws in the second half, including all seven attempts in OT."
Knox returns to action on December 16 as they travel to Eureka College.
