CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Mount St. Joseph women's basketball team handed Franklin its first Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference loss of the season Tuesday night, edging the Grizzlies 77–76 in overtime inside the Harrington Center.
Franklin entered the contest unbeaten at 3–0 in HCAC play, but the Lions were fueled by a dominant performance from Hailey Guingrich, who recorded a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead Mount St. Joseph to the dramatic victory.
The Grizzlies opened the game on a 6–2 run and held the lead for much of the first quarter. The Lions grabbed their first advantage at 15–13 on a Karlee Mills three-pointer with 3:22 remaining, eventually taking a 17–15 lead into the second quarter.
An early Franklin triple briefly put the visitors back in front, but Mills answered with a layup on the ensuing possession to restore the Lions' lead. Franklin never reclaimed the advantage for the remainder of the half. The second quarter featured three ties, but Mount St. Joseph responded each time. After Franklin cut the lead to one with 1:03 left, Morgan Jenkins knocked down a jumper, and the Lions closed the half with a strong defensive stand to take a 34–31 lead into the break.
Franklin again struck first in the third quarter with a three-pointer to tie the game, then followed with a layup after a Lions turnover to regain the lead. The period saw five lead changes and two ties before Mount St. Joseph closed on an 8–0 run. Jenkins capped the surge with a three-point play, giving the Lions a seven-point lead with 1:38 remaining. Late Franklin free throws trimmed the margin, sending the game to the fourth quarter with Mount St. Joseph ahead 49–45.
The Lions opened the fourth with a 5–0 burst, highlighted by a Shena Fleming three to push the lead to nine. Mount St. Joseph controlled most of the quarter, but Franklin made one final push. Beginning at the 3:37 mark, the Grizzlies used a 12–2 run to tie the game at 68 with nine seconds left.
On the Lions' final possession of regulation, Ella Stivers buried a 12-foot jumper that appeared to seal the win. However, on Franklin's ensuing possession, Jordan Coon was fouled while heaving a desperation shot from near half court. With 0.9 seconds remaining, Coon missed the first free throw but converted the next two to force overtime.
In the extra period, Franklin struck first with a basket at the 3:10 mark. Stivers answered with a jumper to tie the game at 74, and moments later Guingrich came up with a steal that led to another Stivers basket, putting the Lions back on top. Franklin responded with a 4–0 run to take a two-point lead, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
After a timeout with 12 seconds remaining, head coach Elston reinserted freshman post Sam Price, who delivered in the biggest moment—converting an and-one to give Mount St. Joseph a 77–76 lead. Franklin's final contested attempt at the buzzer fell short, sealing the Lions' upset victory.
In addition to Guingrich's double-double, Mount St. Joseph placed three more players in double figures. Jenkins posted 19 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Mills added 12 points. Stivers came off the bench to score 12, including several clutch baskets down the stretch.
UP NEXT:
The Lions will be headed to New York this weekend to play a pair of games. On Friday they will square off with St. Mary's College of Maryland, tipping off at 1:00 PM. Then Saturday they will play Norwich University at 1:00 pm. Each game will take place on the campus of Baruch College.
