
It took overtime, but the Grayson Viking Women are NTJCAC Conference Co-Champions!
In the first half, Grayson kept it close. Tied at 19-19 after the first quarter, Susan Fahnbulleh had a big second quarter, tying the game at 21 with a layup, and later beating the shot clock with a jumper to give the Vikings the lead at 23-21. Later on, she had a basket, drawing the foul, but missed the free throw to draw the Vikings within 26-25. Collin closed the half on a 7-2 run to put the Vikings into a 33-27 deficit at the half. In the second half, Grayson trailed by double digits but kept fighting. Tay Biglow buried a big three to pull Grayson within six. Madison Martin had a steal, and a layup, and the Vikings drew within four points heading into the fourth quarter.
Kayla Jones started out with a big layup, and the Vikings continued to hang around, trailing by one or two possessions throughout the beginning stages of the fourth quarter. The Vikings broke through, getting a steal and a breakaway from Martin, to pull within one, and Tay Biglow was fouled and sank two big free throws to give the Vikings a 56-55 lead. Martin came back and hit a big floating jump shot to give Grayson a three point lead with under a minute to play. Collin tied the game late, but Martin came up big defensively, forcing a contested miss to send the game into overtime.
In overtime, with Grayson leading by two, Gracie Burckhartzmeyer hit a big three from the top of the key to put Grayson ahead for good. The Vikings outscored Collin 10-3 in the overtime period.
Kayla Jones led the way with 19 points, Madison Martin had 15 and Tay Biglow had 11.
Grayson will take on Odessa in the opening round of the Region V Tournament next Thursday, March 13. All games will be at McLennan, and their tip-off is set for 3pm.