Chargers Rally Past UKC for Home Victory
The Crandall Chargers earned a hard-fought 74–69 win over UKC on Saturday afternoon at Crandall University, pulling away late in a tightly contested matchup that featured 9 lead changes.
UKC held slim advantages in the opening half, taking a 19–17 lead after the first quarter and edging ahead 31–27 at halftime. Crandall responded with a strong third-quarter push, outscoring the visitors 24–11 to seize momentum heading into the final frame.
Charity Hearn delivered a standout performance, leading all scorers with 28 points on 11-for-16 shooting, while also adding 3 steals. Kelsey Alward recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, providing key contributions on both ends of the floor. Lauren Lilly chipped in 9 points, 4 steals, and 3 assists, while Ella Smith added 9 points off the bench.
Crandall shot 35.7 percent from the field and knocked down 18-of-25 free throws, including several late makes to seal the win. The Chargers also capitalized on transition opportunities, scoring 16 fast-break points, and finished with 27 points off turnovers.
UKC made a late push in the final minute, briefly tying the game, but Crandall closed strong at the free-throw line to secure the victory.
The Chargers will look to build on their second-half execution and defensive pressure as they prepare for their next contest.