Babson Park, FL - In a tightly contested SUN Conference battle, Webber International edged out Warner (FL) 85-82 in a game that featured multiple lead changes, clutch shooting, and late-game drama. The Warriors honored Graduate Student J Curry for Senior Night, taking down their cross lake foes.
Warner (FL) started strong, jumping to a quick 6-0 lead behind layups from Tamara Bryant and Bethany Howard. They continued to build on their lead thanks to strong play from Courtney Logan, who scored on a layup and a free throw to put Warner up 9-3 early.
However, Webber International responded with a scoring burst, led by Neri Moreau, who knocked down a series of three-pointers, bringing Webber within two points. Webber briefly took the lead, 21-20, after Jaiden Ross hit key free throws. The teams traded baskets until Courtney Logan hit a clutch three-pointer, giving Warner a slight 23-21 lead at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Webber International took control behind Curry J. and Taleah Jones, who combined for several key baskets, including a deep three from Jones that gave Webber a 28-23 lead. Warner fought back with strong inside play from Kalya Watson and Julia Gilbert, closing the gap to 36-34 at the half.
Webber opened the third quarter aggressively, hitting three straight three-pointers, including a deep shot from Curry, to take a 44-39 lead. Warner countered with fast-break layups from Howard and Watson, keeping the game close.
Both teams traded leads multiple times in the third, with Warner briefly reclaiming the advantage at 57-53 after a Logan fast-break layup. But Webber again responded, with Moreau hitting another three to tie the game at 71-71 going into the fourth quarter.
Final Quarter: Clutch Moments & Free Throws Decide the Game
The fourth quarter was a thriller, with neither team leading by more than five points. Warner looked to pull away after Howard and Logan scored inside, giving them a 73-68 lead. But Webber fought back, with Moreau and Ross hitting big shots to give them a 78-75 edge with just over a minute left.
With under 20 seconds left, Howard hit a huge layup to pull Warner within one, 81-80. Moreau responded by knocking down two clutch free throws, extending Webber's lead to 83-80. Julia Gilbert then drilled a massive three-pointer with 8 seconds remaining, making it 83-82. However, Moreau calmly sank two more free throws to push Webber's lead to 85-82.
In the final possession, Warner had one last chance, but a last-second three-point attempt from Watson missed, sealing the victory for Webber International.
Key Performers
- Webber International
- Jaiden Ross – Dominated in the paint and hit clutch free throws
- Neri Moreau – Key three-pointers and game-winning free throws
- Curry J. – Controlled the pace with strong perimeter shooting
- Taleah Jones – Crucial defensive plays and late baskets
- Warner (FL)
- Courtney Logan – Led the offense with clutch baskets
- Bethany Howard – Strong inside presence and key layups
- Julia Gilbert – Hit a crucial three to keep Warner alive late
- Kalya Watson – Provided valuable rebounding and scoring inside
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