November 13, 2021
NO.3 KCC WOMEN TRIM NO.4 ILLINOIS CENTRAL
EAST PEORIA, Ill. - Tatiana Hodges-Johnson made two free throws with 5.3 seconds left Saturday afternoon to snap a 60-60 tie, and the third-ranked Kirkwood Eagles trimmed fourth-ranked Illinois Central, 64-60, in the second round of the Illinois Central Classic.
The Eagles (5-0) defeated sixth-ranked Parkland College, 72-50, in the opening round Friday for two victories over ranked teams in two days.
Ashley Tull led Kirkwood Saturday with 14 points, a career-high 17 rebounds, four blocked shots, and three steals.
Kirkwood led, 51-36, entering the fourth quarter, but Illinois Central rallied and tied the game 60-60 on a 3-pointer with 7.8 seconds left. Hodges-Johnson was fouled shortly after that and cashed both free throws for a 62-60 lead.
Illinois Central missed a shot and Kirkwood was fouled on the rebound. The Eagles sank both free throws for the final margin.
Hodges-Johnson and Kortney Drake scored nine points apiece for Kirkwood. Drake hit three 3-pointers. Naya Haymon contributed eight points. Tasia Jordon collected six points and six rebounds.
Kristyn Mitchell scored 17 points for Illinois Central (2-3).
