Becca Buchs Knocks Down Game-Winner at the Buzzer
Winona Lake, Ind. – Taylor faced a tough Lancer squad on Saturday, as the game went down to the wire. Becca Buchs grabbed the deciding bucket, helping TU sneak out with its ninth-straight victory.
The Grace Lancers (10-12, 4-6 CL) and the No. 11 Taylor Trojans (17-4, 8-2 CL) entered the fourth quarter all-square at 51. TU struck first with a five-point rally but Grace bounced back with an eight-point run of its own. The score teetered back-and-forth as the lead changed hands nine times during the ten minutes of action. With one second remaining, the Lancers logged a lay up to give themselves the advantage. The final tick was all the Trojans needed, as Becca Buchs put the ball in the basket for the win.
The Trojans got off to a hot start on Saturday, notching a 9-0 lead in the first stanza. The TU defense was in total control, keeping Grace without a point for the first five minutes of the contest.
Free throws and rebounds proved to be the difference for Taylor. The visiting squad went eight-of-10 from the charity stripe, while keeping the host team to just three-of-four from the line. On the glass, TU outrebounded the Lancers by six.
Kendall Bradbury posted 20 points and 11 rebounds on Saturday, picking up her 45th-career double-double. The senior forward also nabbed her 2,500th career point in the game.
Abby Buchs and Becca Buchs also contributed double-digit scoring outings, as the duo logged 14 and 17 points, respectively. Abby Buchs crashed the boards, snagging six rebounds for the fifth-straight contest.
Lauren James made a solid impact, orchestrating the offense with a career-high six assists. The sophomore also added nine points on three triples off the bench.
No. 11 Taylor will return to Upland for its next game, facing No. 8 Marian (17-4, 8-1 CL) on Wednesday at 7:00 pm.