ROCKFORD, Ill. - The Rockford University women's basketball team (13-9) had to give everything it had to defeat Elmhurst University (3-20) in overtime with a final score of 54-53. Neither side was able to gain a large points advantage for almost the entire game, making it hard to gain momentum. Rockford was able to make its own advantage in turnovers, however, stealing the ball 12 times and turning it into 13 points on the other end of the court. That stat ultimately made the difference as Rockford eventually forced a last second shot by Elmhurst in overtime that didn't fall, giving the Regents their 13th win of the season. With that win the Regents have recorded their first 13-win season since 2011.
- The first quarter was a battle from the start, neither side giving more than a 3-point lead. Roshanda Stevens and Makayla Ashford each recorded four points as the first quarter came to an end at 14-12 in favor of the Bluejays.
- During the second quarter, the two teams combined for 19 points total. Elmhurst made six of the team's ten total points from the free throw line and Rockford secured four points from Da Sani Hannah, a three-pointer from Evelyn Abundes, and a nice layup by Audrina Terhune. The Bluejays held the lead going into halftime, 24-21.
- Elmhurst came out of the halftime break on a 6-2 run to take a 30-23 lead, one of the Bluejays largest of the day.
- Rockford came storming back with a Regents 8-2 run, pulling the score within one point at 32-31. Audrina Terhune hit a three-pointer and Anaya Davis hit a free throw and a layup in that span.
- With the clock running down Elmhurst scored the last four points to give themselves a 34-31 lead going into the final quarter of regulation.
- The Bluejays continued their run from the last quarter, scoring five more points to bring their lead to ten. With what was the largest lead for either side in the game, Rockford caught fire, scoring eight unanswered points with Jocelyn Callahan leading the scoring with 4 points.
- RU kept up the run, roaring all the way back to tie the game and then take the lead on an Audrina Terhune free throw. Rockford had the lead back, 46-45.
- The Regents looked like they were in the driver's seat, but a costly and-one with 47 seconds left tied the game. After converting the 3-point play, the score stood at 48-48.
- Rockford couldn't do anything with its possession and the Bluejays came flying down the court for one last shot. They got a shot off as time expired but couldn't convert, forcing the two sides to decide the game in overtime.
- Audrina Terhune hit a layup to start that was met by a three-point shot on the other end to give the Bluejays a one-point lead 51-50.
- Four straight free throws for the Regents followed, and they were sitting ahead by three points with 1:07 to play.
- Rockford was called for a foul with 45 seconds left and Elmhurst hit both bonus free throws to put RU ahead by only one point.
- The Regents missed a chance to extend the lead back to three and on a final shot in the lane the Bluejays couldn't hit the shot, giving Rockford the win 54-53.
- Audrina Terhune led in scoring with 14 points. She also had 5 rebounds.
- Anaya Davis finished just shy of a double-double with a team-high 10 rebounds and scoring 9 points. Davis also led the team in steals with 4.
- Da Sani Hannah finished with 9 rebounds and 6 points to help the Regents.
- Roshanda Stevens grabbed 8 rebounds and 6 points of her own.
- Makayla Ashford finished with 8 points and tied for the team0high in assists with 3.
The RU women's basketball team will be right back in the Seaver Center tomorrow, February 12th, to celebrate Senior Day and face off against Alverno College. Tip-off is scheduled for 2pm.
