EUGENE, Ore. – It was another classic between Willamette Valley rivals on Wednesday night as the NCU women's basketball team claimed an 82-79 double-overtime victory over Corban University.
 
After falling behind early, NCU battled back against the Warriors and held a late lead. Corban's Payton Wilcox would be the hero in regulation, forcing a 64-64 tie with a layup in the final eight seconds.
 
NCU built a four-point lead with 1:44 remaining in the first overtime, only to see Corban once again come back with Maddey Pflaumer tying the contest at 70-70 with 42 seconds to play. Neither team converted down the stretch.
 
Still tied halfway through the second extra frame, NCU's Katerina Brejchova (pictured) single handedly gave the Beacons their final lead. After a pair of free-throws at the 2:20 mark, Brejchova took advantage of a Corban turnover, completing a three-point play as she was fouled going up for a layup. NCU led 80-75 at that point.
 
Corban scored another field goal and had a 1-for-2 trip to the line to climb within two points and again had the ball with a chance to send it to a third overtime but with two seconds remaining, Maci Benedict's baseline jumper was blocked by Kenzie Weston, in effect ending the game. Weston grabbed the rebound and was immediately fouled, giving NCU their final three-point cushion on a free-throw.
 
Head Coach Heath Alexander said, "I am really proud of our team and how we showed so much resolve tonight. We got down big early and really battled back. We got great minutes from our bench. Kat made some tough scores down the stretch and Kenzie made the defensive stop of the year. That is a good team but we battled and made just enough plays to win."
 
The Beacons (13-7, 10-3 CCC) was led by Brejchova, scoring a season-high 19 points along with five rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Jeni Hoffert added 16 points, shooting 3-for-6 from outside. Hanna Mack put together a gutsy performance as well, finishing with 14 points and two steals. The senior post played the final five minutes of regulation and every second of both overtimes while riding four fouls.
 
Corban (12-9, 6-7) was led by Pflaumer, scoring 19 points along with a game-high eight blocked shots. Wilcox scored a double-double with 13 points and 13 boards and Sadie Pilgeram posted 18 points and four steals. Benedict was also in double figures with 15, adding six assists.  
 
With seven games remaining on the Cascade Conference calendar, the Beacons have opened up a 3 ½ game gap between themselves in fourth place and The College of Idaho in fifth. NCU is looking to claim another home playoff game with a top-four finish in the CCC.