Metea Valley comeback surprises Neuqua Valley

Tired, outmanned and plagued by foul trouble, things didn't look good for host Metea Valley heading into the fourth quarter Saturday afternoon.

But this new girls basketball rivalry heating up between the Mustangs and Neuqua Valley seems to deliver thrilling finishes, and this game was no exception. Metea Valley outscored the Wildcats 15-4 in the fourth quarter capped by Lori Obendorf's winning lay-up with 11 seconds left to play to erase a double-digit deficit and prevail 43-42.

The Mustangs (10-11, 4-5), who had lost to Neuqua in overtime battles both this season and last, led 14-9 midway through the second quarter but appeared to run out of gas as the visitors closed out the half with a 9-0 and then used a 20-14 advantage in the third quarter to take a 38-28 lead into the final eight minutes.

The deeper Wildcats, who played 11 players compared to seven for Metea, forced 14 turnovers in the second quarter alone and seemed primed for a strong finish.

But the Mustangs, led by guards Bria Walker and Megan Geldernick, mustered enough fight and energy to pull out the thrilling victory.

"We had a lot of fire this time," said Walker, who drained a pair of 3-pointers in the third quarter, then busted off 8 more points in the final period. "We were really winded at times, but we wanted this game a lot."

All the want in the world didn't seem to help through three quarters as Megan Doody tallied 10 points and the Wildcats defense limited Obendorf's chances down low. But the Mustangs center managed 6 of her 13 points in the third quarter and then added two big baskets in the fourth to finish with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Doody said the Wildcats (16-5, 4-4 Upstate Eight Valley) played well at times but must take a lesson or two away from the tough setback.

"Our defense was hard core in the second and third quarters," said Doody, who had 3 steals. "But this was a learning experience. You have to play well for four quarters. We didn't and they did."

The game was tied 7-7 after one quarter before the Mustangs took a 14-9 lead following a driving basket by Walker and a free throw from Obendorf. But a putback by Amber Smith and a 3-pointer from Jenny Voytell in the waning seconds of the half made it an 18-14 Wildcats lead.

When that lead grew to 38-28 after three quarters and Mustangs forwards Anna Petersen and Amira Turner were each slowed by fouls, the home team had an uphill battle ahead, but not one that was too tough for Walker and her teammates.