Black Knights Win Overtime Thriller Against Eagles

Saturday, February 19

West Point, NY

1 P.M.

Army West Point

15-10,9-6Patriot

American University

16-8,9-5Patriot

OT 1

American

Army West Point

Black Knights Win Overtime Thriller Against Eagles

February 19, 2022 | Women's Basketball

Box Score

GAME 25
SCORE	Army 67, American 62
RECORDS	Army (15-10, 9-6 Patriot) \| American (16-8, 9-5 Patriot)
LOCATION	Christl Arena

WEST POINT, NY --- Four Black Knights scored in double figures in Army West Point Women's Basketball's overtime win against American, 67-62, defeating the Eagles for the first time since 2017.

Sam McNaughton led the Black Knights with 14 points going 7-of-10 from the floor. Sabria Hunter followed with her 11^th double-double of the season recording 12 points and 11 rebounds. Kate Murray contributed 12 points going 2-of-4 from beyond the arc for the Cadets. Alisa Fallon hit key shots for Army finishing the game with 11 points putting her at 1,003 career points. She is now the 19^th Black Knight to achieve the feat.

How It Happened

The teams were battling from the start of the game with three lead changes and four tied scores in the first quarter. Army's offense was efficient in the first ten minutes shooting 64 percent from the floor. McNaughton led the way going 3-for-3 from the floor for six points. Hunter was the next leading scorer with four points and two rebounds. Army was able to keep up with American's strong offense to only trail by one at the end of the quarter, 20-19.

Army's defense was strong in the second quarter keeping American to just 10 points. The Black Knights held the Eagles scoreless for four minutes in the period before American hit a shot to tie the game at 24-24. It was a back-and-forth game before Taylor Sullivan hit a second chance layup to give Army the lead with just over four minutes left on the clock (28-26). The senior hit another layup a few possessions later to up the Black Knights score to 30-26. American retaliated on offense to tie the game with 30 seconds left on the clock. McNaughton raced down the floor with the ball and hit a pull up jumper to put Black Knights up by two points heading into the break (32-30). Army out rebounded American 13-10 and scored seven points of second chance shots.

The teams traded points in the opening minutes before American jumped to a 37-34 lead with just over seven minutes left. Lauren Lithgow subbed into the game and knocked down two three-pointers to put Army back on top (40-37). American fought back but the Cadets were able hold their lead at the end of the quarter, 43-41.

The fourth quarter started with two tied scores but one lead change when American hit a three-point play to go up 48-47. With five minutes on the clock, Murray knocked down a three to tie the game at 50-50. American responded with a two-pointer but Army's offense took off on a 6-0 scoring run to take a 56-52 lead with a minute left. During the run, Fallon hit a pull-up jumper to push her eight points in the game and 1,000 career points.

In the final seconds of the fourth quarter American hit a three-point, tying the game at 57-57 and send it into overtime.

Army went straight to work in overtime scoring the first four points of the five-minute period, 61-57. American fought back but Murray helped close the door onn the Eagles with a three-pointer and two free throws (66-59). The Black Knights walked away with the 67-62 victory snapping American's nine-game win streak in the series.

Coach's Corner
"I liked our consistency on both sides of the ball for 45 minutes. We protected our home court with tenacity and grit. This was some of the best team defense we've played all year, now on to Bucknell." – head coach Missy Traversi

Cadets' Corner
"I'm honored to now be on a list of such incredible army athletes. Today's win was a huge statement for our standing in the conference. We are capable of and willing to compete with anyone." – Alisa Fallon

"This was a great team win against a good team. A lot of people stepped up in the second half and we found a way to pull out the win in overtime. This only gives us more momentum going into playoffs and shows we can beat any team in the league." – Sam McNaughton

Inside the Box Score

McNaughton hit a buzzer-beater shot for the third time in league play.
Hunter recorded her 11th double-double of the season.
This is the first time the senior class has ever won against American.
Fallon is now the 19th Cadet to score 1,000 points.

Up Next
Army travels to Bucknell to take on the Bison in a midweek showdown on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m.

Follow Along
For complete coverage of Army West Point women's basketball, follow the Black Knights on Twitter @ArmyWP_WBB, on Instagram @armywestpointwbb, and online at www.goarmywestpoint.com.