As both teams entered their matchup on Saturday, something had to give. Both Northwestern and Stebbins had sprinted out to a 7-1 season so far, and both are near the top of their respective division.
So why not expect this to be a close game?
Both teams battled to the final seconds, with Stebbins sneaking out with a 45-44 victory over the Warriors. Northwestern trailed by 11 points in the fourth quarter and nearly pulled off the comeback, before falling just short.
Korynne Berner scored a team high 15 points for Northwestern, including five points in the final 1:21, while Abby Zerkle added 14 and Jenna Robbins scored 13. Stebbins was led by Mackenzie Lingg with 24 points including 5 three’s, while Bryanna Bransford added 13.
Stebbins jumped in front early 9-2 behind a pair of three’s from Bransford and Lingg. Zerkle answered with a three of her own, then hit a layup at the buzzer to pull the Warriors to within 12-9 after the opening period of play.
Zerkle again delivered for Northwestern, hitting a short jumper followed by a free throw and with 5:35 left in the first half, the teams were even at 14.
Following a three from Lingg to give Stebbins a 19-16 lead, Berner took over the game for the Warriors, giving them the lead. The senior connected on a pair of free throws, then within a span of 40 seconds, hit a layup and a 15-footer, and the host Warriors enjoyed a 22-19 lead. Stebbins would answer to cut the deficit down to 22-21 at the half.
The early part of the third quarter belonged to Northwestern, as Zerkle added five quick points, and they took their lead out to 28-21 with 5:47 left in the period. From there, the Warriors offense went completely silent.
Stebbins put together an amazing 16-0 run for the remainder of the quarter and Lingg did most of the damage for Stebbins.
Following a free throw from Bransford, Lingg scored the next 11 points, including three three-point shots and a steal and layup. Bransford then ended the quarter with a rebound putback, and when the dust had settled the Indians had a 37-28 lead.
The start of the fourth quarter was quite different. Trailing 39-28, Northwestern stormed back thanks to the play of Robbins, closing the deficit to 39-33 with 4:53 left.
Stebbins still had a nine point lead with 2:10 left when Northwestern gave it one last gasp. Zerkle hit a free throw, then Berner scored five points and throw in a three pointer from Robbins, and the Warriors trailed by one with seconds left.
Stebbins missed a free throw, but Northwestern could not get a final shot off.
