by HILLSBORO, Kan. Missing out on the championship game last season, Tabor was one step away from returning to Hartman Arena on Monday. After a good first quarter, a quiet second quarter and a good close to the game, Tabor earned a trip in the championship game with a hard fought 70-66 victory over a hot Oklahoma Wesleyan University team.
Tabor jumped out to an early 9-0 lead, paced by four Kasey Rice (Pawnee Nation) points. The Bluejays held OKWU off the scoreboard until almost four minutes had gone bye to start the game. Both teams played solid offense in the opening quarter. Zoe Shieldnight (JR/Gore, Okla.) banked a Julissa Garcia (JR/Ponca City, Okla.) assist off the board to give Tabor the seven point lead (20-13) to end the first 10 minutes of play.
The Eagles controlled much of the second period, taking their first lead of the night (27-26) on a deep three point shot. It was their second triple in a row, forcing Tabor to take a timeout. OKWU led by three with just under two minutes in the half before a strong drive by Ashtyn Wiebe (JR/Elbing, Kan.) made it a one point game (29-28) at the break, in favor of the visitors.
Oklahoma Wesleyan used a 17-10 run to open the second half, grabbing their biggest lead of the night (46-38) at the 2:23 mark of the third period. The Bluejays were able to cut the lead in half (48-44) to head into the final quarter of play.
The Bluejays really came alive on both ends of the floor over the eight minutes of the final stanza. Tabor used three free throws and a Sammy Jo Peterson (SR/Cottonwood Falls, Kan.) bucket to reclaim the lead for good (49-48) with 6:14 showing on the clock.
Overall, Tabor used a 13-0 run to start the fourth quarter, holding the Eagles scoreless until there was just over two minutes left in the game. Tabor’s biggest lead came with 1:10 left when Kasey Rice sank one of two free throws. The Eagles could only get as close as seven points until their last possession of the night when they hit a three with only four ticks showing on the clock.
The win sends the Bluejays back to the conference tournament finals where they have had tremendous success during the Shawn Reed era.
Tabor’s overall record now stands at 19-7 as they moved into the conference tournament finals on Monday.
Game Notes: The game was tied twice and the lead changed hands two times. Rebounding was close (33-32 Tabor), but the Bluejays only allowed two offensive rebounds by the Eagles over the second half of play. Tabor forced 18 turnovers while only committing 13 (8 first half, 5 second half). The Bluejays shot 35 free throws to the Eagles nine for the game.
Up Next: Tabor travels to Park City to face the Sterling College Warriors for the tournament title. The game will take place at Hartman Arena with a tip time of 8:00 pm.
