Women’s Basketball Edges Baker University in OT Thriller

BALDWIN CITY, Kan. — The Graceland women's basketball team (3-11, 1-9) delivered an inspired performance in a dramatic 80-79 overtime victory over the Baker University Wildcats (1-11, 0-10) on Thursday afternoon. The heart-stopping contest featured 14 ties and 16 lead changes, with Graceland securing the win at the free-throw line in the final seconds of overtime.

The Yellowjackets demonstrated resilience throughout the game, overcoming an early 10-point deficit and battling through a tightly contested second half. Forward Kymani Freeman led Graceland with a double-double, recording 12 points and 11 rebounds, including crucial plays in the overtime period. Guard Camila Barreno contributed 11 points and orchestrated key plays on both ends of the floor, while Genesis Alarcon added 12 points and six rebounds.

Assistant coach Zach Moore commended the team's perseverance, stating, "I'm so proud of our effort today. Baker played really tough, and both teams were hungry for a win. We've battled injuries since the beginning of the year but have made no excuses and come to practice every day working to get better. This team doesn't back down or quit, and today was a testament to that mindset. It was really important for us to reset at the break, and I'm just so proud of the girls for not giving up."

Game Highlights

• First Half: Graceland struggled offensively in the first quarter, shooting just 22.2% from the field. Baker capitalized on turnovers and second-chance opportunities to take a slim 13-10 lead into the second quarter. Both teams traded baskets in the second quarter, with Graceland closing the gap to trail 31-25 at halftime.
• Second Half: The Yellowjackets came alive in the third quarter, shooting an impressive 50% from the field and outscoring Baker 22-16 to take a narrow 47-45 lead entering the fourth quarter. Freeman's rebounding and defensive intensity were pivotal during this stretch.
• Overtime: After a back-and-forth fourth quarter ended in a 66-66 tie, Graceland showed poise in overtime. Freeman's layup and subsequent free throw gave the Yellowjackets a 69-66 lead early in the extra period. With under 10 seconds remaining, Alarcon's clutch jumper sealed the victory.

Team Statistics

• Graceland shot 39.2% (31-79) from the field, including 29.6% (8-27) from beyond the arc.
• Baker had a higher shooting percentage at 46.3% (25-54) but struggled with turnovers, committing 20 to Graceland's 13.
• Bench scoring was a key factor for the Yellowjackets, who outscored Baker's reserves 28-3.
• The Wildcats held a slight edge in rebounding (43-40) and points in the paint (36-32).

Key Players

• Kymani Freeman (Graceland): 12 points, 11 rebounds, and a decisive free throw in overtime.
• Genesis Alarcon (Graceland): 12 points and two key baskets in crunch time.
• Destiny Kiner (Baker): Game-high 22 points, including 12-13 free-throw shooting.
• Alyssa Morris (Baker): 17 points and 7 rebounds, providing consistent scoring throughout.

The victory marked Graceland's first conference win of the season, improving their Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC) record to 1-9. Despite their current standings, Moore emphasized the team's growth and determination as the season progresses: "This was a much-needed win for our program. It sets the tone for the second half of our season, and I'm excited to see what this group can accomplish."

Up Next

The Yellowjackets return to action this Saturday, January 4, at 2:00 p.m. against MidAmerica Nazarene University. The game will take place at the Morden Center in Lamoni, Iowa.

For more information on Graceland University women's basketball and all Graceland athletics, visit GUjackets.com.