Northwestern had just missed two point-blank shots at the rim in the closing seconds that would have likely iced the victory in regulation. But the Warriors survived a game-tying well-executed three-point prayer sending the game to overtime, but hit their final four free throws in the final 20 seconds to escape with a 49-42 victory over Arcanum last week, sending them to the sectional championship game against highly-regarded West Liberty Salem on Saturday.

 (wls score)

It was a slow start for both teams, as Arcanum led 7-5 after the opening eight minutes. After two ties and not much offense, Arcanum’s Stevie Johnting hit a shot with two seconds left in the quarter to send the Trojans in front 7-5.

Johnting came right back with a big three to open the second before free throws from Abby Zerkle, Jenna Robbins and Katelyn Partlow allowed the Warriors to claw back to within one before the Trojans used Madison O’Daniel and Alexis Abner to push their lead out to 14-9 in the final minute of the half.

Northwestern would have the last chance before the half, as Zerkle stepped up big again with a three to send the game into the half with Arcanum clinging to a 14-12 advantage.

Out came the Warriors in the second half, as Partlow and Korynne Berner quickly gave the Warriors an 18-14 lead. Robbins took the lead out to six, but Johnting and Rebecca Deao closed the gap to three with one minute left in the third. Partlow scored again, and as the period ended, Berner found the rim and gave the Warriors a 26-19 lead after three.

Berner took over for the first two minutes of the fourth, scoring six points and giving the Warriors a 31-22 lead with 4:50 left. The Trojans needed life.

They got a reprieve from Abby Ross with a layup and Johnting closed the deficit to five points. With 3:04 left in the game, Abner took the ball to the rim and scored her 1,000th career point, making it a five point game.

Deao scored on a rebound and Johnting buried a three to send the Arcanum bench into a frenzy, as they cut the game to 35-34 with two minutes left.

Northwestern was trying to seal the game at the line in the final minutes of the game. Cameryn Ciresi hit one of two from the line, as did Robbins, setting up the Trojans with 2.8 seconds left. A perfect play moved the ball up to the three point line, and Ross buried a desperation three sending the game to overtime.

In the extra frame, Partlow scored consecutive baskets, and Lindsey Seale and Partlow hit their free throws to seal the win for the Warriors.

Partlow scored 19 to lead Northwestern, while Berner added 11 and Robbins 10.

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First Group 2x2
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