The Houston Lady Tigers couldn’t buy a basket. Crocker made one when it counted most.
Despite shooting less than 25 percent from the field, the Lady Tigers held a late lead until Crocker nailed a buzzer-beater in the final moments for a 43-42 victory last week at the Lebanon Holiday Tournament.
Poor shooting was the theme of the tournament for Houston, which struggled from the field in losses to Pleasant Hope, Ava and Crocker. The Lady Tigers won their tournament opener against Buffalo.
Houston coach Brent Kell said he opened the gym for the most part of three days to allow his players to work on their shooting technique after struggling in Lebanon.
“I don’t have any complaints about their effort,” Kell said. “We just couldn’t buy a shot.”
Holly Thomas led the Lady Tigers (4-6) with 20 points. Kendra Welch hit two 3-pointers and scored 14.
The game was moved back several hours to allow the Crocker players to attend the funeral of fellow students who had died in a car wreck.
The previous day, sophomore Erica Keeney had a season-best 18 points in a 47-36 loss to Ava.
Thomas scored eight for Houston, which was outscored 20-7 in the second quarter.
Wednesday’s game
Houston 10 6 13 13 – 42
Crocker 13 2 10 18 – 43
HOUSTON (4-6) – Pounds 1 0-0 2. Welch 3 5-7 13. Thomas 5 10-17 20. Pierce 1 0-1 2. Keeney 2 1-2 5. Totals 12 16-27 42.
CROCKER – ABogle 4 3-5 12. KBogle 6 5-5 17. Cantrell 1 1-5 3. Kubinski 4 3-5 11. Totals 15 12-20 43.
3-pointers: Houston 2 (Welch 2); Crocker 1 (ABogle).
Tuesday’s game
Houston 12 7 11 6 – 36
Ava 13 20 5 9 – 47
HOUSTON (4-5) – Pounds 1 1-2 3. Burgess 1 0-0 2. Welch 2 0-0 5. Thomas 3 2-7 8. Keeney 8 2-5 18. Totals 15 5-14 34.
AVA – Burkdoll 0 1-2 1. Shelton 2 0-0 4. Bilyeu 1 0-0 2. Marrs 4 2-2 14. Lansdown 1 0-0 2. Dering 5 4-4 16. KDooms 2 1-4 5. CDooms 1 1-2 3. Totals 16 9-14 47.
3-pointers: Houston 1 (Welch); Ava 6 (Marrs 4, Dering 2).
