Carthage, TX- The Panola Fillies fought down to the wire Wednesday night, overcoming a 28 point deficit to win in overtime 98-96 against Tyler JC. The Fillies remain undefeated at home.
The Fillies saw the game get away from them early, as Tyler jumped out to a 14-4 lead in the opening minutes. As foul trouble, scoring drought, and defensive breakdowns plagued the Fillies, they found themselves down 1 at the halftime. However this would be the closest the Fillies would get until late in the fourth quarter.
Entering the fourth quarter the Fillies and fans witnessed the lead balloon to 28. Sophomore Victoria Rushing would spark an eight point swing off of four steals. This spark would be exactly what the Fillies need to go on a run.
Helping Rushing with the charge would be Patience Okpe. The Fillies would cut the lead to 18 with 3 minutes remaining in the ball game. With multiple defensive stops, Panola would capitalize on their momentum. In the final minute of the game the Fillies would cut the lead to one off of a free throw from Okpe.
The Apaches of Tyler would fight back and attack the basket to draw a foul with second remaining. After converting on the play, the Fillies were able to get one last chance. With all eyes on Patience, the sophomore would again deliver. Okpe would recover a steal and convert with under 5 seconds left. The Apaches would not connect on the last chance heave. This would senfthe Fillies into overtime again with for the second time this season. The Fillies would outscore TJC 40-8 in the fourth quarter.
The Fillies would strike first in overtime to go on top. There would be 4 lead changes and 3 ties in the extended period. Patience Okpe would once again put the Fillies on her back and convert on two free throws to tie the game at 96-96 with under 10 seconds to go.
After converting Patience would later snag a steal and score a layup with 1.6 seconds left in the game. A final attempt by TJC would not go.
Okpe would set a new career high with 52 points. Stefany Lourenco would force 6 steals and Daria Eremeeva posted a game high 10 rebounds to go with 11 points. The Fillies had 4 players score in double digits.
The Fillies return to action Saturday on the road at Kilgore. Tip-off is set for 2pm.