TUSCALOOSA, AL – Walters State battled to the bitter end on Saturday evening against No. 20 Shelton State but an off-balanced 3-pointer at the buzzer fell short, giving Shelton State a 59-56 overtime win over the Lady Senators.
With the loss, Walters State fell to 4-5 on the season.
Kristyna Boyd led the way for Walters State in the game with 15 points, while Kyra Perkins had 14 points. Asia Barr added 12 points, as well.
Other scorers for Walters State included Janae Charles with seven, Jeremya Johnson with two, Briontanay Marshall with two, Tianna Rhodes with two and Lia Wright with two.
It was a slow start to the game for Walters State with just six points in the opening quarter, as the Lady Senators trailed 16-6 after one.
However, the tide began to turn in the second quarter as the Lady Senators caught fire. Barr had nine points in the second, while Charles had five as Walters State trailed just 29-26 heading into the locker room.
In the third, the Lady Senators continued to battle and trailed just 38-37 going to the final 10 minutes. Perkins hit two 3-pointers in the quarter.
The fourth quarter didn't begin Walters State's way as Shelton State scored the first five points to go up six. But, the Lady Senators stayed close as Boyd scored four quick points and Perkins made a driving layup to tie the game at 43.
Shelton answered back with a 6-0 run, but Barr drilled a 3-pointer and Boyd scored to cut the lead to 49-48 with 3:40 to go. The two teams traded baskets after, but the Lady Senators finally took a 52-51 lead with 1:10 to go on a Perkins layup. Shelton State would go down the floor and split free throws to tie the game and then had the ball with 13 seconds to go. The Lady Bucs would miss a shot with seven seconds though, giving Walters State a chance but a Barr shot was off and the game went to overtime.
In overtime, Boyd opened things with two baskets to give the Lady Senators a 56-52 lead. Walters State would hold that lead until 15 seconds left when a driving layup gave Shelton a 57-56 advantage. Walters State would be called for a charge on their next possession, and Shelton State would knock down two free throws with seven seconds left. The Lady Senators had one final chance to extend the game but a 3-pointer at the buzzer was off.
Up Next:
Walters State will be back in action on December 30 at home against Georgia Highlands. Tip is set for noon.
Rob Harvey
Walters State Community College
Sports Information Director
Cell: (423) 779-8880
Email: sportsinfo@ws.edu
Website: www.ws.edu/athletics