Lady Chaps Outlast Seawolves 63-56 in Overtime at Hoops In Hawaii Tip-Off Classic
Guard Sheridan Liggett sparked a late charge with 18 points to force an extra session, but Lubbock Christian secured a 63-56 women’s basketball victory against Alaska Anchorage on Sunday in the consolation final of the Hoops In Hawaii Tip-Off Classic at T.C. Ching Athletic Center.
The Sunday matchup marked the first meeting between the two programs since Lubbock Christian’s 78-73 victory in the 2016 NCAA Div. II title game. This time, the contest unfolded on a smaller stage in Honolulu but matched the intensity of their previous encounter.
A Defensive Slugfest in Honolulu
Both teams asserted themselves early before offensive rhythms stalled. UAA established its largest lead of the day at 9-4 in the opening quarter, while Lubbock Christian stretched its advantage to 20-13. The Seawolves clawed back, taking a 27-24 lead into halftime behind 10 points from sophomore guard Mylee Anderson on 4-of-7 shooting.
Scoring proved difficult for both rosters during the third quarter. Amber Kartchner hit a corner three-pointer to push UAA ahead 37-35, though the Lady Chaps answered within 20 seconds as Mattie Dollar completed a three-point play to reclaim the lead. Liggett converted three baskets over the final three minutes to generate crucial ties, but neither squad broke through during the last 45 seconds of regulation.
Overtime Separation
Liggett tied the score at 51-51 early in the overtime period. From there, Kaelie Massenburg put the Lady Chaps ahead for good with a floater in the lane, and Kennedy Chappell followed with another three-point play. Chappell recorded eight points in the extra session alone as Lubbock Christian shot 6 of 7 from the field and 4 of 5 at the free-throw line to close out the win.
Chappell finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, and three assists for the Lady Chaps, who entered the season coming off a 23-8 campaign and were picked fourth of 17 teams in the Lone Star Conference. For the Seawolves (1-2), Anderson contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while junior guard Bridgette Tello added 15 points. Anderson shot 7 of 12, Liggett finished 8 of 15, and Tello went 5 of 11 from the field, with Anderson converting both of her three-point attempts. Senior forward Lillee Duffin matched Anderson for the team lead with seven rebounds.
Next Up for the Seawolves
The Seawolves make their home debut Friday (7 pm) and Saturday (2 pm), hosting College of Idaho at the Alaska Airlines Center.
