Lady Clovers defeat Bulldogs 48-47 on Cheatham's last-second bucket

Sunday, December 16, 2007

MONROVIA -- Cloverdale kept plodding along with Monrovia, trailing the Bulldogs for three and a half quarters Friday, never appearing to have the edge needed to make a serious run at the WCC foe. An incredible fourth quarter run, however, gave the Clovers just enough to defeat the Dogs, 48-47, thanks to Elizabeth Cheatham's game-winning bucket with six-tenths of a second remaining.

The Clovers struggled offensively, scoring just four points in the first quarter, and trailing Monrovia, 20-13 at the half. The teams basically went tit-for-tat in the third quarter, as the Bulldogs maintained their seven-point lead, 35-28.

Cloverdale coach Bruce Cook indicated at the game's conclusion that he was concerned with his club's offensive woes: "We didn't shoot the ball well tonight and that's usually one of our strengths. We're just glad to get out of here with a win."

The Clovers looked anything but a team destined for victory after Monrovia opened the fourth quarter on 7-0 run to up their lead to fourteen points, 42-28. The Dogs, however, would score just one more bucket in the contest.

With 43 ticks left on the clock, Kristin McCammon nailed a three to bring the Clovers within five, 45-40. McCammon cut the lead to three, seconds later, on a pair of clutch free throws.

The Bulldogs had ample opportunity to close out the game in the final seconds, but were unable to convert at the charity stripe. Monrovia went just 8-23 from the line in the contest.

When Victoria Dorsett missed a pair at the line with five seconds remaining, Ashley Koosman grabbed the board and heaved the ball to Cheatham, who sank the game-winner from five feet as time expired.

McCammon led the Clovers in scoring with 12 points. The win moves Cloverdale to 7-2 on the season (4-0 WCC).

The Clovers resume play Saturday Dec. 29 at the Brown County Tournament, when they play the host Eagles at noon.

At Monrovia

Cloverdale 4 9 15 20 -- 48

Monrovia 7 13 15 12 -- 47

Next game -- Cloverdale (7-2, 4-0 WCC) visits Brown County at noon, Saturday, Dec. 29 in game one of the Brown County Tournament.

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