By: Devin Jones
Box Score The Joliet Junior College women's basketball team pulled out a thrilling 81–80 win over Kennedy-King College in a competitive matchup on Tuesday.
Midway through the second quarter, play stopped when guard Sarai Carter suffered an eye injury that required her to be stretched off the court. After the break in action, Kennedy-King went on a run to take a 14-point halftime lead.
But the Wolves bounced back after the break.
Na'Vayuh Junior and Samaiyya Williams ignited JJC's momentum immediately, helping fuel the rally. Junior led the Wolves with 17 points, while Williams added 15, leading to an exciting fourth quarter finish.
Samantha Casanova later buried a clutch sidestep three-pointer in the fourth to give the Wolves their first lead of the night, and JJC sealed the comeback by forcing crucial turnovers late. Casanova finished with 16 points and a huge night from the three, going 4-for-4 on the night.
After the game, Junior said patience was key, noting the team "knew what we needed to do and executed it well."
Casanova added she focused on trusting her shot, saying, "I haven't had my best games, so I had to get back in that mindset. I know what I can do, and it showed tonight."
Head coach Shaun Sanderson praised the group, saying, "It was a team effort, and the girls have been working really hard for this win."
With the victory, the Wolves snap their five-game losing streak and move to 4–5 on the season. JJC will host Prairie State College on Thursday.
