Knudson Drains Game Winner

Jan. 30, 2019, Sterling, Colo. — Hitting a game winner at the buzzer is always satisfying. Hitting a game winner on the road against a Region IX opponent makes it much more satisfying. For sophomore Taylor Knudson, that feeling came in their road game against the Otero Rattlers. 

This game for the Plainswomen was their first road game since Jan. 5, when they traveled to play Sheridan College. Their recent stretch of home games have been good to Northeastern as they have gone 5-1 in those games. Protecting their home court was what head coach Dave Huss wanted, and they certainly did that. Winning those games at home also helped them slingshot into their road games, which is always a challenge. 

The first quarter against the Rattlers proved to do the Plainswomen well as they took the early 16-10 lead. The second was quite the opposite as they allowed Otero to outscore them 26-15, putting them behind 36-31. With the Plainswomen trailing only by five, they needed to come out the second half with fire. Since the ladies were on the Rattlers' home court, Otero still had a small edge over them. With that as their motivation, Northeastern narrowed the gap to make it a 55-53 game. The fourth and final quarter was where the Plainswomen stayed resilient and played their game. With the Plainswomen trailing by two, Taylor Knudson drained a three-pointer to give them the 76-75 lead with 12 seconds remaining. The Rattlers ensuing offensive play was snuffed out by Northeastern and Alyzae Davis made the defensive rebound then was fouled. She made the second free-throw to take them up by one. The Rattlers tried to pass the ball down the court but Asia Turner stole it and the Plainswomen won 77-75. 

Northeastern will be at home Saturday, Feb. 2 for Hoops Homecoming as they host the Trinidad State Trojans.