The Cougars (8-1, 4-0) led 55-41 with just under six minutes to play. That’s when the traps and second-half hustle of Tipp’s defense began to force turnovers. Morgan Miller’s driving left-handed hook and ensuing free throw cut Tipp’s deficit to 61-57 with 43 seconds left.
After Kenton Ridge star Mariah Harris missed two free throws with 11 seconds left, Tipp (8-2, 3-1) missed two 3-point attempts in a last gasp to force overtime.
Kenton Ridge coach Ed Foulk was relieved that his team had survived a near meltdown that was fueled by turnovers.
“Our defense helped us win, but our ballhandling almost helped us lose,” he said.
For Tipp, the fourth-quarter rally was almost enough, but coach Todd Varvel saw it as far too little, much too late.
“With this team so far, they only play hard when they feel they have to,” Varvel said. “They don’t play hard all the time. We have to overcome that. Effort is a decision.
“We’re a talented team, but we don’t combine that talent with hard work and effort on the court to be consistent enough.”
Lindsey Fenwick took advantage of Tipp’s first-half defense and knocked down open shots for 16 of her 19 points. Harris, who announced Tuesday that she has committed to play at Michigan State, only had 10 points, but she had several assists to different teammates as the Cougars built a 44-35 halftime lead.
Harris was also focusing on her defense and holding Tipp star Breanna Stucke to four points and 10 for the game. Stucke will play college ball at Wright State.
“Mariah did a great job on her,” Foulk said.
Miller led Tipp with 20 points, including 13 in the first half to keep the Red Devils close. Ellise Sharpe also had 10 of her 14 in the first half.
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