Joliet Junior College women's basketball pulled off a dramatic comeback on Wednesday, defeating the Kankakee Community College Cavaliers in overtime, 96–94, after trailing by as many as 23 points.
The Wolves got off to a difficult start as Kankakee forced turnovers and found open looks early, jumping out to a 33–18 first quarter lead. The Cavaliers continued to control the tempo in the second quarter, stretching the advantage to 41–22 before JJC went into halftime trailing 55–37.
Joliet, however, came out of the break with renewed energy. The Wolves trimmed the deficit to 73–62 by the end of the third quarter and kept the pressure on into the fourth. JJC cut the lead to 75–71 before Demi Page drilled a clutch three to give the Wolves their first lead at 79–77.
Destynia McGruder then knocked down two big free throws to force overtime with the score tied 85–85.
In the extra period, McGruder once again came up big at the foul line, knocking down 2 clutch free throws to give the Wolves the win, extending their winning streak to three games.
Wolves coach Shaun Sanderson credited his team's poise after the game.
"We told them even though the lead was big it wasn't that bad," he said. "if we stopped turning the ball over and got to our spots, we could get back in this game. They had no answer for Des, so we kept feeding her, and if she didn't score, she found someone who could."
After the game, Page said, "We were short numbered, we only had five players, but we had to keep pushing. Once our communication got better, we were able to lock in mentally and come back.
"I knew I had to be aggressive. I work on my game every day, and my teammates give me confidence, so I just go out there and play."
McGruder Led the Wolves with 31 points and 7 rebounds, going 13-of-14 at the free throw line.
"The goal was to come out with a lot of energy, and I think we really did," said McGruder. "My teammates kept finding me, so I just went up strong and did my best."
Page contributed with 28 points and 9 rebounds, shooting 4-of-6 from 3-point range.
The Wolves will host Malcolm X College Saturday at 1 p.m. as they look to carry the momentum.
