HOUSTON, TX -- The University of St. Thomas women's basketball team came up just short on Saturday afternoon, falling 65-63 to Colorado College on a last-second three-pointer in a Conference matchup game. The loss drops the Celts to 6-3 overall and 0-2 in conference play.

The opening quarter featured strong defensive play from both teams as points came at back and forth from both teams early. After Colorado College struck first on a fast-break layup, UST found its rhythm behind Kenna Gibson, who knocked down two three-pointers to give the Celts an early lift. Macie Whitfield added consecutive baskets in the paint as St. Thomas built a slim lead midway through the quarter. The Tigers answered late with perimeter shooting, but UST closed the period ahead 16-13.

In the second quarter, the pace quickened with both teams trading baskets and forcing turnovers. Laura Jones and Whitfield scored inside to keep the Celts in front early, while Kameron Goodman provided a spark off the bench with a jumper and a fast-break layup in the final minute. Despite multiple lead changes, Colorado College carried a narrow 35-32 advantage into halftime.

The Celts came out of the break with renewed energy in the third quarter. Gibson caught fire from beyond the arc, drilling back-to-back three-pointers to swing momentum back in UST's favor. Whitfield continued to attack the paint, and Goodman added timely scoring as the Celts went on a strong run to build a six-point lead. Colorado College responded late, but St. Thomas entered the fourth quarter holding a 49-48.

The final period turned into a back-and-forth battle down to the final possession. Whitfield and Goodman scored key baskets to keep the Celts in front, while defensive pressure led to several steals and stops. With under a minute to play, Whitfield converted a jumper in the paint to give UST a 63-62 lead. Colorado College responded on the final possession, knocking down a three-pointer with three seconds remaining to seal the win.

Kenna Gibson led the Celts with 18 points, knocking down 4 three-pointers while adding 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Macie Whitfield followed with 17 points on efficient shooting, pulling down 8 rebounds and scoring several key baskets in the paint. Kameron Goodman provided a major boost off the bench with 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Laura Jones chipped in 9 points, while Amyia Bowie added 5 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, and four steals in an all-around effort.
 

Up Next

The Celts will hit the road next, traveling to Belton, Texas to take on UMHB in a non-conference matchup on January 6. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.  For updates, visit ustcelts.com or follow @ustwbasketball on Instagram.