GREAT FALLS, Montana - The College of Idaho Women's Basketball team staged a heart-pounding comeback on Thursday evening, overcoming an 11-point second-half deficit to defeat Providence (MT) 58-56 in an overtime classic at the McLaughlin Center.
Trailing 45-34 late in the third quarter, the Yotes found themselves on the brink — but this team refuses to back down. Taryn Riley ignited the rally with a fierce layup, slicing the lead to single digits and sparking a 13-6 run that carried into the final frame.
The fourth quarter was a chess match of momentum swings, with Providence clinging to a narrow lead. Anna Mooney was electric down the stretch, nailing a clutch layup to bring the Yotes within four. With just three seconds left in regulation, Riley drove through traffic and banked in a dramatic layup to tie the game at 51-51, sending it to overtime.
Overtime saw both teams exchange blows, but the Yotes' resilience prevailed. Ashton Adamson came up with a game-saving block in the dying seconds. With only one second left, Mooney dished a pinpoint pass to Adamson, who muscled in the go-ahead layup, sealing the 58-56 victory.
Mooney led the Yotes' scoring effort with 13 points, while Riley matched her with 13 of her own — including five crucial points in the extra period. Brooke Beresford battled on the boards with 7 rebounds, adding 10 points of her own. Kylie Waltermeyer drilled two key three-pointers and contributed 6 points.
The Yotes' next challenge looms large, as they face the No. 11-ranked Georgetown (KY) Tigers at 5:00 PM on Friday in Great Falls. With momentum on their side, the Yotes are poised to keep their Cinderella run alive.
