WEBSTER GROVES, MO – The Principia women's basketball team came into Saturday's showdown against the SLIAC-leading Webster Gorloks on a seven-game win streak as the Panthers looked to end their 11-year drought in Webster's Grant Gymnasium. After a shaky start, Principia came on strong in the second half to defeat the Gorloks, 59-55.
The Panthers fell behind early, and halfway through the second quarter, they found themselves down by 15 points. However, a quick 10-0 run got Principia right back in the game going into halftime. Midway through the third quarter, the Panthers were still down by 8, but they would close the quarter on a 10-2 run to tie the game at 41.
Principia played an excellent fourth quarter with timely scoring and shutdown defense, though the game came down to the final minute. After the Panthers went up by 5 with 2:11 remaining, Webster hit back-to-back clutch threes to take a one-point lead. Principia retook the lead on a running lay up by
Ariana Williams, and then the Panthers played great defense, causing a travel by the Gorloks. After some Principia free throws, Webster mishandled the ensuing inbound pass, and the Panthers stole the ball to complete the upset.
The win is the program's first on Webster's home court since February 2015. The Panthers and Gorloks are now tied for first place in SLIAC standings with four regular season games remaining.
Lamiya Terrell led the Panthers in scoring with 17 points, while
Trinniti Matthews and
Taylor Brown weren't far behind with 15 and 12 points, respectively.
Principia will play its final two home games of the regular season next week as they host Lyon on Thursday at 5:30 PM and MUW on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Saturday's game will be Senior Day to celebrate the Panthers' outstanding five seniors who have carried the program to incredible new heights.
