Basketball fans could not have asked for much more this evening as this Redettes-Miners bout proved electric right down to the last few seconds.
Negaunee was first to strike, but a Sydney Kivi triple was the answer to give the Redettes at 3-2 lead. Kivi was one to watch this evening.
The Redettes took initiative in the first quarter against this tough Miners team and led 9-4 with three minutes to go. Some great defense ensured Marquette a 15-9 lead at the buzzer.
Marquette opened up a nine point lead early at the start of the second quarter to give themselves a little breathing room.
A Madison Carter lay-up at the bottom of the quarter extended the Redettes’ lead to 26-18. Reegan Ketzenberger drilled a triple in shortly thereafter to give the Redettes a 12-point lead with a score of 30-18 going into halftime.
Sydney Kivi began the half with another three-pointer. The Miners had some answers, however, and Negaunee put the foot on the gas with a 9-0 run to get within six points of the Redettes.
Avery Ledy broke the spell with a huge triple for a score of 36-29. Negaunee was able to get within five points after a chance at the free throw line, but Madison Carter drilled her own triple to put the Redettes’ lead back out to eight points.
Sophie Bartlett turned around and nabbed an offensive rebound and a lay-up to give Marquette a double-digit lead at the end of the third quarter.
Marquette was able to weather the Miners’ scoring storm and looked strong at the top of the final quarter. Sydney Kivi again exploded onto the court with a rebound and a coast-to-coast lay-up for a score of 45-35.
Negaunee stayed within striking distance, however, and made things interesting in the final minutes. The Miners were able to claw back to within just one point at 47-46.
A few minutes ticked by as neither team was able to get a shot off. Kivi finally pushed through with a bucket for the Redettes for a score of 49-46.
It was 51-48 with less than six seconds to go. The Miners put up a two-pointer at the buzzer and that was how it all ended, with both team having left everything out on the court.
Negaunee proved a tough opponent to the bitter end, but the Redettes didn’t panic and clinched the 51-50 victory.
The Redettes will be back at it on Thursday, February 21st against Menominee at home on 97.5 GTO. Tune in for pregame at 6:45 pm, tip off is at 7:15 pm.
Listen to a recording of the live broadcast.
