By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
It's over!
Dowagiac's 27-game losing streak came to an end Tuesday night as the Chieftains edged Portage Northern, 39-37, in a Big-16 Conference non-divisional thriller.
Jenny Pilot tossed in a short jumper with seven seconds remaining to give Dowagiac (1-8) the come-from-behind victory.
Portage Northern (0-9) had one more chance to send the game into overtime or win it with a three-pointer, but missed on a desperation heave as time expired.
Dowagiac trailed for much of the contest, but poured in 21 fourth quarter points to rally for the victory.
Both teams scored five points in the first quarter as shooting was a problem.
Portage Northern took control of the game in the second quarter, outscoring the Chieftains 12-6, mainly from the free throw line after second and third shot opportunities.
Dowagiac tightened up on defense, but was still outscored 10-7 in the third quarter as Portage Northern opened up a 27-18 advantage heading into the final eight minutes.
It was all Dowagiac in the fourth quarter as the Chieftains went inside to Pilot and Brianne Reist and pounded the ball at the Lady Huskies.
Reist and Pilot responded by scoring eight and seven points respectively in the final stanza.
Dowagiac cut the lead to 34-33 with 3:04 remaining on a basket by Pilot. The Chieftains took a 35-34 lead just under a minute later when Reist connected on two free throws.
Dowagiac led 37-34 with under a minute to play when Portage Northern's Alisa Randol canned a three-pointer with 32.4 seconds remaining to tie the score at 37.
Pilot led Dowagiac with 13 points, while Reist added nine points. Dowagiac had everyone score Tuesday night which was a key according to Spitale.
DOWAGIAC 39
Ashley Brewer 1 1-3 3, Brittany Winters 1 0-0 2, Brianne Reist 2 5-8 9, Jennifer Pilot 5 3-4 13, Beth Fryman 1 2-5 4, Holly Lowe 2 0-1 4, Val Johnson 0 1-2 1, Brittany Reist 1 1-2 3. Totals: 13 13-25 39.
PORTAGE NORTHERN 37
Megan Kalis 2 0-0 4, Devan Rider 3 4-4 10, Alisa Randol 2 1-2 6, Caroline Rath 0 0-0 0, Darcy Sheppard 0 0-0 0, Sidra Moore 2 6-12 10, Molly Brooks 1 0-0 2, April Wiburn 2 1-2 5. Totals: 12 12-20 37.
Portage 5 12 10 10 -- 37
Dowagiac 5 6 7 21 -- 39
Three-point baskets: Portage 1 (Randol). Totals fouls: Dowagiac 16, Portage 23.