January 11, 2025 – Stafford, TX
In a nail-biting encounter that extended into overtime, the Southwest team pulled off a hard-fought 69-60 victory over North American. The game showcased resilience, strong defense, and a clutch performance from key players in crucial moments.
First Half: Southwest Edges Ahead
Southwest took a commanding lead in the first quarter, spearheaded by Briana Montoya's sharp shooting from beyond the arc. Montoya finished the first quarter with three 3-pointers, contributing to Southwest's 18-12 lead. Despite struggles in the second quarter, where both teams faced shooting slumps, Southwest maintained their edge with a 20-14 halftime advantage, thanks to free throws by Milinda Arguellez.
Second Half: Momentum Shifts
The third quarter saw a surge from North American, with Kaci Johnson and Akyrah Hodges leading a comeback effort. Johnson's presence in the paint and Hodges' layups cut into Southwest's lead, and the home team even took a brief lead late in the fourth quarter. Southwest's Alliah Scallion kept her team competitive with timely layups and defensive stops.
Clutch Overtime
The overtime period was where Southwest truly shone. Scallion stepped up with a clutch three-pointer and flawless free-throw shooting, while Karinna Ortiz's layup and defensive rebounds secured the lead. Southwest outscored North American 16-7 in overtime, demonstrating composure under pressure.
Standout Performances
- Briana Montoya: With 20 points, including five 3-pointers, Montoya was a force on offense.
- Alliah Scallion: Scored 19 points, contributed key defensive plays, and excelled in overtime.
- Milinda Arguellez: Despite shooting struggles (2-11 FG), her 13 rebounds and 6-of-7 free-throw performance proved vital.
Team Statistics
- Rebounds: Southwest dominated the boards with 53 rebounds compared to North American's 45.
- Free Throws: Southwest's accuracy at the line (88.2%) contrasted sharply with North American's struggles (66.7%).
- Three-Point Shooting: Southwest converted 30.3% (10 of 33), while North American lagged at 21.1% (4 of 19).