Thunderbirds freshman Malia Eggers came alive when the Thunderbirds needed her most, scoring seven of her team-high 15 points – including the winning bucket with under 10 seconds left – to give them a 60-59 OT victory over the Wolves.
Eggers’ bucket came on a second chance after teammate Anden Demaris missed both free throws. Tumwater corralled the offensive rebound and the ball ended up in Eggers’ hand. Black Hills’ final shot was off the mark and the T-Birds were sent into euphoria.
Down five entering the locker room, Tumwater (7-6, 2-1 EvCo) erupted for 22 points in the third to surge ahead. Black Hills rallied down six to force OT and took a one-point lead in the extra frame on a Natalie Buchanan jumper.
Demaris added 13 points for the T-Birds while Kamryn Wilson chipped in 11. It was the two-star show for Black Hills (7-7, 0-3) with Buchanan and Tyler Venable combining for 47 points. Both sides will hit the road on Friday, with Tumwater taking on Aberdeen and Black Hills battling Centralia.
