Lady Tigers gut out big win against Collinsville

The Lady Tigers were on an upset alert after an emotional week. It was senior night Tuesday, Jan. 30 against Pryor followed by a huge win against Booker T. Washington on Thursday. The Lady Tigers responded to the challenge and were able to come in from behind to defeat the Lady Cardinals, 49-42.

Collinsville came out of the gate hitting on all cylinders and Tahlequah appeared a little flat. Facing a fired-up defense, the Lady Tigers were able to manufacture eight points in the first quarter on 2-6 shooting from the field and 3-8 from the free-throw line.

The Lady Cardinals were able to hit 5-6 from the three-point line, accounting for all their points for a 15-8 lead.

In the second quarter, the Lady Tigers were able to come out on an 8-1 run and tie the score at 16, but Collinsville was able to withstand the pressure and finish on a 10-6 run of their own to lead at the half, 26-22.

The Lady Cardinals were able to hit an early three in the third quarter to increase their lead to seven but went cold from the field when Tahlequah switched to a man-to-man defense.

This increased the defensive intensity, forcing Collinsville to go 3-12 from the field in the quarter. The Lady Tigers took the lead on a shot from Talyn Dick and 1, to go up 35-33 with 2:35 to go in the quarter.

The Lady Tigers were able to go 5-9 from the field and 4-4 from the line in the pivotal quarter to take control of the game.

On the road in the fourth quarter and in front of a hostile crowd, the veteran Lady Tigers were not to be rattled and maintained their poise. Clutch shots from Madi Mathews and Paisley Qualls were able to quell Lady Cardinal rallies. Dick was able to sink two vital free throws to seal the win, 49-42.

Dick led the Lady Tigers in scoring with 15, Jadyn Buttery had 12 and 12 rebounds, Kori Rainwater had 12 and 13 rebounds and she also had a season high in assists with six to go with four blocks. Mathews and Qualls had five.

What’s next

The Lady Tigers will take their 9-1 record on the road, Tuesday, Feb. 6 at East Central at 6 p.m.