Lubbock Christian beats Alaska Anchorage 63-56 in overtime

Guard Sheridan Liggett sparked a late surge with 18 points to force overtime, but Lubbock Christian ultimately found its shooting rhythm in the extra session to claim a 63-56 victory over Alaska Anchorage in the consolation final of the Hoops In Hawaii Tip-Off Classic at T.C. Ching Athletic Center.

The Sunday matchup marked the first meeting between the two programs since Lubbock Christian secured a 78-73 victory in the 2016 NCAA Div. II title game. While Sunday’s rematch unfolded on a smaller stage in Honolulu, the contest delivered an equal amount of drama.

The Seawolves fell to 1-2 on the season despite strong contributions across the roster. Sophomore guard Mylee Anderson tallied 16 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while junior guard Bridgette Tello added 15 points. Lubbock Christian, coming off a 23-8 season and picked fourth of 17 teams in the Lone Star Conference, leaned heavily on guard Kennedy Chappell. Chappell powered the Lady Chaps with 25 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

Defensive Battles and Momentum Shifts

Neither team managed an easy offensive rhythm during regulation. Both squads established their largest leads early in the opening quarter—UAA pulling ahead 9-4 before LCU answered to lead 20-13—before the contest dissolved into a defensive slugfest.

The Seawolves managed a 27-24 advantage by halftime, bolstered by Anderson shooting 4-of-7 from the field for 10 points. Scoring grew even scarcer in the third quarter. Amber Kartchner sank a corner trey to push UAA ahead 37-35, but Lubbock Christian responded within 20 seconds via a three-point play from Mattie Dollar.

Liggett kept UAA afloat by scoring three times in the final three minutes of regulation to force ties. Neither side could crack the scoreboard in the final 45 seconds, sending the game to an extra period tied at 51-51.

Overtime Execution Separates the Contenders

Liggett struck first in overtime to maintain a 51-51 deadlock, but Kaelie Massenburg answered with a floater in the lane that put the Lady Chaps ahead for good. Chappell followed with another three-point play, finishing the overtime period with eight points.

As a team, Lubbock Christian shot 6-of-7 from the field and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line in overtime to put the game out of reach. Anderson finished 7-of-12 from the field, Liggett shot 8-of-15, and Tello went 5-of-11. Anderson and senior forward Lillee Duffin shared team-high rebounding honors with seven boards apiece.

The Seawolves make their home debut Friday (7 pm) and Saturday (2 pm), hosting College of Idaho at the Alaska Airlines Center.