MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – Clutch free throws down the stretch allowed the Panthers to hold off a second half rally by the Wolverines and come away with a 36-30 victory in a Mid-Valley League contest last Friday night.
It was the tale of two halves, however, as Maxwell held a 20-7 lead at intermission, but Biggs came out and ramped up the pressure, forcing turnovers, and reeling the Panthers back in to draw within two points with one minute remaining in the game.
But a scoop shot in the lane by Camila Hernandez extended Maxwell’s lead, before she added a free throw on the ensuing trip down the court to give her team a 34-29 advantage with 29 seconds remaining.
Then, after a Wolverine turnover, Emma Hendrix put the final nail in the coffin with a pair of free throws in the game’s final seconds.
Teresita Salazar led the Panthers with 11 points, while Hendrix finished with 10.
It was a big win for Maxwell, who had lost a 41-43 heartbreaker at home to CORE Butte earlier in the week, despite a 19-point, 11-rebound double-double from Hendrix.
Bailee Haywood also made a nice contribution in the loss with 11 rebounds.
Sitting tied for third in the MVL, Maxwell (6-5, 2-2) entertained Los Molinos on Jan. 23 and squares off against first place Hamilton City at home tonight.