Commodore Comeback Capped By Meng’s Three In Final Seconds

January 25, 2025 - - The Lorain County Community College women's basketball team secured a critical conference victory on Saturday, defeating the Clark State College Eagles 70-68, thanks to Chloe Meng's (Elyria, Ohio/First Baptist Christian HS) clutch three-pointer in the final seconds.

LCCC (9-11, 4-5) trailed for most of the game, falling behind early and struggling to close the gap until the fourth quarter. Ally Winnen (Lorain, Ohio/Elyria Catholic HS) ignited the comeback, scoring on the first possession of the final frame to cut the deficit to one. On the following possession, Alexis Sheridan (Avon Lake, Ohio/Avon Lake HS) gave the Commodores their first lead of the game, putting them ahead 55-54.

However, Clark (4-13, 1-7) responded with a 7-0 run to reclaim momentum and take a 61-55 lead. Refusing to back down, Abigail Schmitz (Amherst, Ohio/Firelands HS) hit back-to-back buckets to pull LCCC within four just past the five-minute mark. With the clock winding down, Winnen found Helayna Houston (LaGrange, Ohio/Keystone HS) open for a three-pointer, cutting the deficit to a single point at 64-63 with 3:35 remaining.

After falling behind again, Winnen scored at the 2:45 mark to pull LCCC back within one, 66-65. Schmitz followed up with a clutch bank shot with 45 seconds left, giving the Commodores a 67-66 lead.

Clark quickly answered, reclaiming the lead at 68-67. With just ten seconds left, LCCC called a timeout after Winnen's shot was blocked in the paint and Schmitz secured the rebound for a second chance. Out of the timeout, Schmitz delivered a perfect inbounds pass from the baseline to a wide-open Chloe Meng, who calmly buried the go-ahead three-point basket with eight seconds remaining, putting LCCC ahead 70-68.

On Clark's final possession, their attempt to tie the game missed the mark, and the buzzer sounded, sealing the victory for the Commodores.

Winnen posted a dominant double-double with 25 points and 19 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards. Schmitz added 22 points on 9-of-22 shooting, hitting crucial shots in the fourth quarter and assisted on the game-winning basket.

Houston provided a spark with 5 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Her timely three-pointer off Winnen's assist was a pivotal moment in the final minutes.

Next Up:

LCCC will face Owens Community College on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in Perrysburg, Ohio.