Four free throws in the final :17 propelled visiting Bushnell to a 78-75 win over College of Idaho women's basketball on Saturday afternoon. Ally Mirabile and Bella Pedrojetti each made a pair of free throws for the Beacons. Between the free throws by MIrabile and Pedrojetti, the Yotes had a layup blocked by Libby Mathis to come away with the win.
College of Idaho (13-13, 8-12 CCC) landed all five starters in double figures for the first time on the season in the loss. Seniors SIenna Riggle (17 pts.),
Kenadee French (15 pts.),
Lexi Mitchell (13 pts.) and
Riley Frith (11 pts.) along with
Jada Reed (11 pts.). The four seniors were honored, following the contest.
Bushnell (17-8, 14-6 CCC) were paced by a game-high 20 points from Aspen Slifka, plus Pedrojetti added 13 and a double double from LIbby Mathis (10 pts., 10 reb.).
With 1:46 left in the game, French banked in a 3-pointer just before the shot clock expired that put College of Idaho ahead 73-71. Pedrojetti answered with a 3-pointer for the Beacons to regain the lead for the visitors. But, there was an answer on the College of Idaho side as a put back by Riggle regained the lead for the host Yotes for a one-point lead, 75-74. Then, Mirabelle was fouled with :17 left in the game and made a pair of free throws to put Bushnell back ahead with :17 to go.
Next, College of Idaho after a :30 timeout looked to set up the game-winning shot before it was blocked by Mathis with :05 left in the game. Pedrojjetti sealed the win with two more free throws and the Yotes were unable to get off a last-second attempt for a chance at overtime.
Earlier in the game, College of Idaho managed to erase a 21-point deficit as they scored 25 of the final 29 points in the third quarter and the first four points of the fourth quarter. In the final 20 minutes, College of Idaho shot 48.3% (14-for-29) from the field and held Bushnell to 36% (9-for-25).
With a post-season berth on the line, the Yotes will wrap up the regular season with games at Northwest (Fri., Feb. 17) and Evergreen (Sat., Feb. 18).
