HIGHLAND — A chance to advance in the postseason ended in heartbreak for Allen Community College’s women Monday.
The Red Devils led by 16 after three quarters, before host Highland ended the game on a 26-9 run to stun Allen, 64-61.
The loss ends ACC’s season at 10-16.
Allen looked to have things well in hand in the second half. Naomi Smith and Melody Wilfong scored eight and six points, respectively, in the third quarter as part of a 25-14 run to extend what had been a 27-24 lead. Adji Mbaye’s jumper to start the fourth quarter pushed Allen’s lead to 54-38 with just over 9 minutes left.
But Allen went cold from there, going scoreless over the next 4 minutes as Highland rattled off seven straight.
Skyler Evans scored for the Red Devils to end the Scotties rally, but Highland responded with a 15-2 run, accentuated by a pair of Brandi Dunn 3-pointers to take the lead for good, 60-58, with 45 seconds left.
Smith missed a jumper that would have tied the game with 23 seconds left. The Scotties hit a pair of free throws for a four-point cushion.
Hallie Reed’s 3-pointer with 8 seconds left sliced the deficit to 62-61. Kenadi Rising drained a pair of free throws for Highland to give ACC one final shot at the tie, but Mbaye’s desperation heave at the buzzer was off the mark.
Smith led Allen with 20 points, followed by Mbaye with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Tristian Martin scored eight. Dalye Hambelton had nine points, three assists and two steals. Clara Romero also had three assists.
Emily Dogbatse led a trio of Highland players in double figures with 14.
Allen (14-13-25-9—61)
FG/3pt FT F TP
Smith 9 2 3 20
Mbaye 6 0 3 12
Hambelton 3 0 2 6
