Story and photo by Bill Battle, emissourian.com
Knocking down free throws in the final seconds, the Pacific Lady Indians sealed its first championship of the new season Friday, claiming the Lutheran South Tournament crown.
The Lady Indians won 63-60 in overtime against the host school in a game which featured as many twists and turns as a mountain road.
Pacific jumped out to the lead and was up 17-12 after one quarter. The Lady Indians led 26-21 at the half and 39-33 through three quarters.
Lutheran South lit up offensively in the fourth quarter and was poised to win it in the closing seconds. Down 51-48, nothing less than a three-point basket, or a two and a foul with a free throw, would suffice. Lutheran South defended Pacific's initial attempt and the ball ended up in the hands of Grace Burrows at the top of the key.
With a defender close, Burrows threw up a shot at the buzzer and it fell to send it to overtime. In the extra session, Pacific was able to pull away for the win. Lutheran South got a three at the buzzer to make the final score closer.
Burrows was named tournament MVP and teammate Maddie King also was selected to the all-tournament team.