Photo courtesy of Nevada Athletics on Twitter @NevadaWBB. Women’s basketball warms up for its game against Utah State.
With the game tied in the third, fourth, and first overtime period, it was a nail biting double overtime showdown between Nevada and Utah State.
On Feb. 26 was Nevada’s second to last conference game of the season at Utah State. Nevada beat them earlier in the season 65-54, but was unable to do the same during their most recent match up.
The first period was tight with the biggest lead only being by five points. USU had that lead over Nevada twice, with 7:11 and 0:40 left in the period. Nevada tied at 9-9 with a free throw by Kylie Jimenez. A three pointer by Audrey Roden soon after gave Nevada a one point lead. Although a couple of layups by USU had them ahead 21-18 at the end of the first.
Nevada again only saw a lead once in the second period with 6:50 remaining. There were two times the score was tied, 25-25 and 29-29. Nevada kept the USU lead minimal by being consistent with free throws. The second period ended with Nevada down by four, 31-35.
In the third period, Nevada cameback and took the lead for almost half of the period. Four points were made from free throws, Kylie Jimenez shot two and Alexander Nia shot two also. USU tied the score a 45 and at the end of the period with 49.
Nevada took the lead twice in the fourth period, each by one point. Four of the 14 points Nevada scored in the period were from free throws. In the last 32 seconds of the game, Da’Ja Hamilton had a good jumper to tie it at 63 and go into overtime.
Both teams ended up scoring eight points each in overtime. Nevada started off strong and had a lead of four with 0:49 ticking down on the clock. USU had a layup and was lucky enough to get two free throws from a foul by Alyssa Jimenez to tie again, 71-71.
Now in double overtime, USU had a steady start and ended up not letting Nevada get a lead. Nevada did tie the score at 74 and 80. Being tied with 0:40 left in overtime, USU had a good jumper at the very last second to win 82-80.
Nevada is now 10-6 in conference play and USU is 4-13.
The women’s next game is on March 2 against in-state rivals UNLV.
Kelsey Middleton can be reached at kelseymiddleton@sagebrush.unr.edu or on Twitter @kelsmiddleunr