Storm @ Christian Faith

NLC Storm 46 Christian Faith Center Academy Conquerors 45

Arianna hit 2 free throws with 5.8 seconds to play, and the New Life Storm escaped with a 1-point on the road against the Conquerors of Christian Faith Center Academy. The normally fast starting Storm did not get off to their usual first quarter lead and trailed 7-5 at the end of the first period. The Conquerors athleticism and aggressiveness in their zone defense forced the Storm into numerous turnovers. Midway through the 2nd period, the Storm offense came alive. Darryl started the run with a high-low feed to Shelby and a 15-ft jumper. Then the Storm followed with 3 fast break baskets and went ahead 23-16. Christian Faith answered by scoring the last 8 points of the half, and took the lead on a 3-pointer by their star, Anastasia Tucet, just before the halftime buzzer. The second half continued to be a hard-fought, physical, back-and-forth game with several lead changes and neither team able to pull away. The Storm continued to struggle with turnovers, finishing with a season-high 31. They continued to have success with the fast break also, and transition baskets by Hannah Grace, Anna, and Arianna put NLC up 41-38 midway through the 4th quarter. Again Tucet answered, scoring 5 points to tie the game at 43-43 inside the last minute. Hannah Grace drove and was fouled, making 1 FT for a 44-43 lead. Tucet, who scored 32 points on the game, answered again, absorbing contact and hitting a fall-away jumper to give CF the lead with 17 seconds to play. This set the stage for Arianna's heroics, as she went to the line and coolly drained the winning shots. Tucet took one final 3-pt attempt which was off and the Storm moved to 10-0 on the season. Hannah Grace led NLC with 15 points while Daryl and Arianna each pulled down 9 rebounds.