BELTON, TX-- St. Thomas women's basketball team battled through four quarters and overtime to earn a hard-fought 71-66 road win over Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday night. The victory moves the Celts to 7-3 overall after an intense matchup that featured multiple lead changes and clutch plays down the stretch.
The opening quarter was physical and defensive on both ends as both teams worked to settle into a rhythm. After UMHB scored first at the free-throw line, the Celts answered behind Jaydia Morris, who provided early energy in the paint. Kameron Goodman knocked down a three-pointer to give UST its first lead, and Morris capped the quarter with a layup in the final seconds to send the Celts into the second period holding a narrow 12-10. In the second quarter, the game remained tight with both teams exchanging baskets and momentum. Kenna Gibson sparked the offense with multiple three-pointers, while Macie Whitfield continued to attack inside. Despite strong defensive pressure and timely steals by the Celts, Mary Hardin-Baylor kept pace from the free-throw line. St. Thomas carried a slim 24-22 lead into halftime.
The third quarter saw UMHB open with a run to briefly regain the lead, but the Celts responded with composure. Morris and Whitfield scored in the paint, while Gibson added another three to keep the game within reach. Laura Jones knocked down a key three late in the quarter to swing momentum back to UST, giving the Celts a 44-41 lead heading into the final period.
The fourth quarter delivered a back-and-forth battle. Amyia Bowie scored early to extend the lead, but UMHB answered with perimeter shooting to regain the advantage midway through the quarter. Gibson and Bowie connected on timely baskets, and Jones buried a clutch three-pointer with under two minutes remaining to give St. Thomas a brief edge. The Crusaders responded to force a 60-60 tie at the end of regulation, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, the Celts rose to the moment. Jones opened the extra period with a three-pointer, and Whitfield followed with multiple strong finishes in the paint. Defensive stops and rebounds proved crucial down the stretch, and Gibson sealed the win at the free-throw line in the final seconds as UST closed out the 71-66 victory.
Macie Whitfield led the Celts with 18 points on efficient shooting, adding 5 rebounds and a strong presence in the paint throughout the night. Kenna Gibson followed with 16 points, knocking down 4 three-pointers while contributing 5 rebounds, 4 steals. Jaydia Morris added 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Laura Jones provided a spark with 9 points, including 2 critical three-pointers. Amyia Bowie contributed across the stat sheet with 6 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
Up Next
The Celts turn their focus back to conference play as they prepare to take on Dallas on January 9. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
