With the game on the line, Vlogý Craig’s Lily Campbell nailed a 3-pointer to send the Cougars’ Big Eight Conference girls basketball game in Middleton on Tuesday into overtime.
Craig’s defense came through from there as the Cougars outscored the Cardinals 10-3 in the extra period to take a 72-65 comeback victory.
“Huge overtime win for our team,” said Craig coach Kellan Schmidt. “I’m so proud of their grit and competing hard until the buzzer. “
The Cougars (4-2 overall, 3-1 conference) trailed at halftime 34-21. With 10 minutes to go and down 48-33, Craig took off, outscoring Middleton (0-6, 0-4) 29-14 to forge the 62-62 tie at the end of regulation.
In overtime, Campbell, Avianna Hughes and Brae Bertocchi helped lead the Cougars to their victory.
“In overtime we stayed intense, and the girls played with guts and had no fear,” Schmidt said. “Late in the game, we drew a lot of fouls and hit our free throws. Super proud of them, and this was a huge win for us.”
The Cougars went to the free throw line 45 times and made 30 of their attempts.
Campbell scored seven of her 25 points in OT while Bertocchi scored three of her 22.
“Lily and Brae were fantastic offensively,” Schmidt said. “The reason we made our comeback late in the second half is because of Brae and Lily taking huge shots and stepping up for us.”
After their overtime win, the Cougars will host Sun Prairie West for a game at 7:15 p.m. Friday.
