Zariah McInnis capped off a late-game comeback with a game-winning floater with 0.2 seconds remaining to give the Celts the 57-55 victory.
The Celts had a hard time taking the lid off the basket to begin the game, scoring their first points more than halfway through the first quarter. Ce'Briaya Bell opened up the scoring for the Celts with a much needed three point basket assisted by Zariah McInnis. After going down 11-0, UST outscored Centenary 9-4 to end the quarter. The Celts were able to trimt the Ladies lead to two early in the second quarter following a made three pointer by Emily Edwards. However, every time the contest got close enough for the Celts to take their first lead, Centenary would respond with a run of their own. Centenary ended the half scoring five straight points to head into the half leading the match 31-26.
Jade Evans began the scoring for both teams in the second half making both of her free throws to cut the lead to four points. The Celts tied the game at 31, holding the Ladies scoreless through the first four minutes of the second half. Centenary would go on to finish the third quarter on a 15-5 run and extend their lead to 10 heading into the fourth quarter. Down double-digits heading into the fourth, the Celts began to slowly chip away at the deficit and would eventually take their first lead of the contest after Ce'Briaya Bell layup with 2:22 left in the game put the Celts up 53-52. The Ladies would knot the score at 55 on a made free throw with 1:03 left in the contest. Tied at 55 with 4.3 seconds left, the Celts inbounded the ball to Zariah McInnis who would drive left and score to win the game.
Zariah McInnis led the charge for the Celts in this one, posting 19 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in the game. Micayla Hamilton also had a strong contribution, putting up 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. The Celts defense down the stretch allowed them to steal this one from the Ladies, out-scoring them 21-9 in the fourth quarter.
The Celts face Centenary again tomorrow for the back end of their double header.
