Providence Day (NC) out-dueled MIAMI (FL) Senior 27-26 to advance to the fifth place game of the 2015 Crescom Bank Holiday Invitational.
While the game was low scoring, it was not one without dramatics. Miami Senior (11-2) appeared ready to put the game out of reach early as the Stingarees ran out to an 11-4 advantage in the opening 6:06. Providence Day (11-1; Charlotte, NC) responded to the early run with eight unanswered points to take a 12-11 lead with 3:12 on the clock in the opening half on Janelle Bailey’s layup. The teams battled back and forth the remainder of the half and the game went to the half in a 15-15 tie.
The second half continued to be a see-saw battle as neither team led by more than three points as the game was tied six times and there were eight lead changes. Destiny Weldon tied the game at 26-26 for Miami Senior on a free throw with 1:01 to play. Bailey then regained the lead for Providence Day one final time with a free throw with 30 seconds remaining. Bailey missed the second free throw as Weldon grabbed the rebound for Miami Senior. Following a timeout by the Stingarees to set up the final play, Jannifer Rodriguez’ jumper from the free throw line sailed wide right as the buzzer sounded.
Erin Whalen paced Providence Day with 15 points and nine rebounds while Andrisia Sweeting led Miami Senior with nine points.
