The Princeton Tigers defeated the Becker Lady Bulldogs by a score of 52-51 in overtime Thursday in the Monticello Invitational.  

 

Renee Tripp hit two foul shots with 29 seconds to go in the game to give Becker a four-point lead in overtime.  

 

“From there, everything unraveled for the Bulldogs,” said Head Coach Dan Baird.  

 

Princeton scored on a quick attack in the post, and following a steal, they nailed down a shot and the game was tied at 51.    

 

Becker turned the ball over once again on an over-and-back violation.  The Tigers attacked the basket and got a foul call with just six seconds left.  Maddie Shafer hit one of two foul shots and time ran out on the Bulldogs as  Julia Bengtson’s shot at the buzzer was blocked.  

 

“This was an exciting overtime game,” said Baird.  “Princeton made critical plays down the stretch and showed poise.  We played well enough to win for 39.5 minutes, but didn't close out well for whatever reason.”

 

Bengtson led the Bulldogs with 13 points while Courtney Nuest contributed 11.  

 

Princeton’s Lauren Bjurman scored 15 points and scored well in the post.  Her team moves to 6-4 on the season while Becker falls to 4-5.  

 

As the Monticello Tournament continues, Becker took on Chisago Lakes and Wisconsin Badger recruit Carmen Backes Friday at 2 p.m. A full report on that game will occur in next week’s Citizen-Tribune.

 

Next week, the Bulldogs play at St. Cloud Apollo Tuesday, then return home for a game against Mora Thursday and against Cambridge-Isanti Friday.