Mattoon, Ill. - Miya Webb's reverse layup with three seconds left game the Illinois Central College women's basketball team (16-9, 6-3) a thrilling 68-67 victory over #20 Lake Land (18-7, 5-4) in Region 24 action at the Laker Fieldhouse on Wednesday. The win came thanks to a solid defensive team effort, strong bench play, and a 17-20 effort from the free throw line, moving ICC into sole possession of third place in the Region standings. 

"Yowza, that was a close one," coach Karrie Redeker said. "Kudos to our kids for sticking together and finding a way to win. Credit to Coach (Stan) Prosser for putting together a great defensive game plan and to our team for carrying it out. This one took all of us."

Webb's game-winner thwarted a near-spectacular comeback by the Lakers, as ICC held a 66-59 lead with 51 seconds left. Lake Land scored eight points in 44 seconds to grab a 67-66 lead (Lakers scored two points on a regular possession, and then forced two ICC turnovers, which they turned into two old-fashioned three-point plays). After a timeout, ICC inbounded to Webb who drove the right baseline and finished her reverse with three seconds left. Lake Land called timeout and ran a backdoor play, resulting in an open look, but the shot bounced out, with an Addi Swadinsky offensive rebound giving the Cougars the win. 

The score was tied at 49-all going into the final quarter. Lake Land went on a run early in the fourth to grab the lead, but the Cougars answered with a Savannah Orgeron basket and a three-point play by Webb in transition to cut the deficit to 58-54. ICC continued their surge as Paris Wilson scored on a layup and Imari McDuffy tied the score at 58-all on a baseline jumper. Orgeron added scores and Cora DeSutter had a three-point play to make it 66-59, setting up the aforementioned frentic finish. 

The first half was a back-and-forth affair, but ICC stayed close thanks to tough team defense and the offensive play of Swadinsky, who had 12 first-half points. Elena Redgate added six first half scores and Saniya Tutt had five points plus a drawn charge to help the Cougars take a 37-21 lead into intermission. However, the Lakers quickly erased that to start the third thanks to a 9-0 run and the teams battled from there, with neither team getting much breathing room. 

COUGAR STATISTICS (Only Scoring & Rebounding Were Provided)
Imari McDuffy | 5 points, 4 rebounds
Saniya Tutt | 5 points, 1 charge drawn
Miya Webb | 10 points, 6 rebounds
Paris Wilson | 4 points
Savannah Orgeron | 6 points, 4 rebounds
Addi Swadinsky | 14 points, 4 rebounds
Naomi Elliott | 2 points, 2 rebounds
Jhanel Coleman | 9 points
Elena Redgate | 9 points, 5 rebounds
Cora DeSutter | 4 points, 9 rebounds
Entire Team was awarded the programs "I Beat the Dean" game honor

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
@ #9 Lincoln Land Loggers (22-3, 8-1)
Saturday, February 17th - 1:00 PM
Cass Gym - Springfield, Ill.
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