IRVINE, Calif. –
Lexi Mitchell drove to the basket, got fouled and hit the game-winning free throw for College of Idaho with nine seconds to play in a 52-51 overtime win at Westcliff on Friday night.
The Warriors (2-2) had a chance to hold for the final shot in the overtime period with 30 seconds to go and the shot clock off, however Laura Tapia attempted a layup that went errant with 15 seconds left to give the Yotes (4-0) the ball for a chance at the winner.
Following a timeout, Mitchell inbounded the ball to
Jada Reed, who delivered it right back to Mitchell. The junior from Middleton attacked the basket and earned the foul in the big moment, going on to convert one of the two free throws that followed.
By claiming their fourth straight victory to begin the season, the 2021-22 C of I team has strung together the most wins in a row to begin a new campaign in program history.
A physical game throughout saw the Yotes rely heavily on senior forward
Sienna Riggle, who continued to dominate in the early season with her second double-double of the year, leading the scoring with 14 points, grabbing a career-high 15 rebounds and blocking three shots.
Mitchell and
Kaylee Krusemark each added nine rebounds as part of a 46-38 edge on the boards for the visitors.
Riley Frith made a positive impact off the bench for C of I in the first half, putting six points on the board.
Westcliff had a 27-25 lead at the half and the game was tied 47 heading into overtime.
Trinity Vasquesz paced the Warriors with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
On Saturday, the Yotes will play Bethesda in Anaheim at 1 p.m. PT to conclude a five-game road trip to start the season.
