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Citrus can't put away Williston in overtime

INVERNESS -- Williston coach Robert Patterson got more of a fight from Citrus than he expected.

But despite falling behind by 11 late in the third quarter, Williston defeated 10th-ranked Citrus 54-52 in overtime to hold on to first place in Class 3A, District 6. The Red Devils (7-1 overall, 4-0 in 3A-6) were led by senior forward Charity Woods, who scored 15 of her 24 points after halftime.

"They surprised us a little," Patterson said. "I wasn't expecting them to be as far along as they were. But we didn't give up."

Citrus had its chances.

With time running down in overtime and Williston ahead by two, Citrus guard Katie Steelfox found a gap in the defense and headed to the basket, but her 4-foot runner hit the rim and missed as time expired.

"These (Williston) girls are really good," Citrus coach Bruce Nelson said. "We gave them everything we had, but they made the last basket."

The Hurricanes led 37-26 with 1 minute, 35 seconds left in the third quarter after a 3-pointer by Alycia LePage and appeared to have control of the game. But before the quarter ended, LePage, who finished with 11 points and drained three 3-pointers, fouled out, and things went downhill in a hurry for the Hurricanes (5-2, 2-2).

Williston ended the quarter by scoring seven consecutive points to close within 37-33. In the fourth, the teams traded baskets before the Red Devils drew even at 41 on a 12-foot jumper by Woods.

In the final, hectic seconds of regulation, both teams had opportunities to win.

With 10.5 seconds left and Williston down one, Woods stepped to the line for two foul shots. She made the first, then missed the second. The rebound went to Citrus guard Myesha Hollis, who was fouled with 8.3 seconds left and the game tied at 48.

Hollis missed both free throws, but Williston was called for traveling. The Hurricanes took over with 7.1 seconds left but failed to get a shot off before the buzzer sounded.

Citrus was led by center Meaggen Anderson, who scored 14 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Steelfox added 11 points.

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