(Mesa, AZ) The Park University Gilbert women’s basketball team overcame a 20-point fourth quarter deficit to take the lead against OUAZ with 1.6 second remaining in the game, but a buzzer beating layup sent the Bucs down to defeat in their conference opener 79-78 at Arizona Athletic Grounds.
The Bucs struggled from the field in the first and third quarters scoring only 11 and 10 points respectively in each frame. They rebounded in the even number quarters scoring 29 and 28 points. The Buccaneers finished shooting 37 percent from the floor. This despite shooting 18 percent in the first quarter and 25 percent in the third quarter. OUAZ shot 64 percent in the first half and only led by nine despite holding as large as an 18-point lead in the first half.
In the third quarter, the Spirit looked as though they were going to put the game away building the lead up to 20 entering the fourth quarter.
The Bucs made a miraculous comeback on the back of junior Aubry Saleapaga who was making her Park Gilbert debut tonight. Saleapaga only had eight points after three quarters but put on a show in the fourth posting 16 fourth-quarter points, including three three-point shots and shooting 6-11 from the floor. The last of those 17 points came at the end of the game when she hit what looked to be the game winning layup with 1.6 seconds to go to give the Bucs a one point lead and OUAZ was out of time outs. But OUAZ forward Tiana Sledge leaked out behind the Buccaneer defense and a baseball pass led her to a layup as time expired.
The Bucs comeback was fueled by its pressure defense which forced the Spirit into 25 turnovers which led to 26 points for Park.
Saleapaga finished with a game high 24 points, Savannah Huerta added 18 and Alynna Palacios had 15 points, seven rebounds and six steals.
The Buccaneers now take to the road to take on Life Pacific and Hope International next Thursday and Saturday, January 9 and 11 in California.
Press Release courtesy of Park University Athletics – Preston English
Click on Logo
