The Skyhawks trailed most of the game against the Indiana State Sycamores, but with word from McMillan, the team began playing a helter skelter game that worked. Halfway through the first half, the Skyhawks were within one point of the Sycamores and the game would only continue to get better.
“Games are not easy,” said Coach McMillan. “All these teams are good.”
In the first half, junior guard Jasmine Newsome led the team ten points but an injury had McMillan pulling her from the court.Morale was not dead yet.Ā It was senior forward Shelby Crawford who kept the team alive as she claimed six points and three defensive rebounds.
It was in the second half where the game would be decided. The Sycamores nailed three three-pointers with in the first five minutes of starting. The Skyhawks fumbled, extending Indiana State’s lead 38-27. But no one was giving up.
Senior forwards Rickiesha Bryant and Shelby Crawford planted themselves in the paint when the Sycamores went for a layup and reclaimed the ball. Together they had a total of eight rebounds.
As the final minutes ticked down, the Skyhawks were running hot. Freshmen Sydney Vanlandingham and Chelsey Hall hit two three-pointers apiece. Hall’s two three-pointers were her first baskets of her college basketball career. She added two more when she nailed two free throws.
It was in overtime where things were great and horrible all at the same time. The Skyhawks were leading 70-71 when they called timeout before the buzzer sounded. The referees reviewed the playback and set the clock for 0.3. McMillan thought he had called timeout sooner. He threw his clipboard at the ref table, resulting in a technical foul and three extra shots for the Sycamores. The final score was 73-71, the Sycamores taking the victory.
The Skyhawks will return to action on Tuesday night. They play Southern Mississippi at 7 p.m. in the Elam Center. To keep up with the game, follow The Pacer on Facebook and Twitter, @thepacer.
