For the second time this week, the St. Anthony Lady Bulldogs found themselves in a tight game with conference implications riding high.
And for the second time in four nights, the Lady Bulldogs prevailed.
Ady Rios scored five points, while Anna Faber and Stacie Vonderheide knocked down crucial free throws in overtime Tuesday night, helping St. Anthony pull out a 72-64 victory at home over Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City.
The two teams battled on even terms throughout. The Lady Bobcats held a slim lead at the end of each of the first three quarters – 17-15 after the first eight minutes; 34-32 at intermission; and 47-46 after the third period.
Lucy Fearday scored eight points in the fourth period, as the Lady Bulldogs tied the game, 61-61, sending it to the extra period.
Rios connected on a three-pointer to help the Lady Bulldogs capture the lead. She also hit another jumper, Fearday added a bucket and Faber and Vonderheide converted their free throws, helping St. Anthony outscore CHBC 11-3 in the overtime session.
Fearday finished with a game-high 24 points and freshman Nancy Ruholl scored 21.
The Lady Bulldogs remained undefeated on the season, improving to 10-0 overall and 4-0 in the National Trail Conference. After handing Altamont its first conference loss Monday night, they dealt the Lady Bobcats their first setback in league play.
St. Anthony will step out of conference Monday night and host their cross-creek rival Teutopolis. And then on Thursday, they will drive across town to play Effingham.