Mikayla Butzke and Ashley Gerken combined for 35 points, but it was enough for Dos Pueblos to overcome a determined Cate squad, as the Rams took a 52-47 overtime win in non-league girls basketball game on Tuesday night at Cate.
Gerken tied the score on driving layup, but Cate still had time to win the game in regulation. The Rams inbounded with two seconds left but were unable to get off a shot.
Meena Baher of Cate hit a three-pointer to put the Rams up by one late in the overtime period. Maya Blattberg was fouled and converted both ends of a one-and-one situation for a 50-47 lead.
The Chargers missed a shot and Lily Zanze grabbed the rebound for the Rams and passed it out. Deborah Brittain was fouled and made both free throws with nine seconds left to clinch the win for Cate.
Baher hit five three-pointers and scored 19 points and Blattberg had 12 for the Rams.
On the defensive end, Brittain was solid in the post and Jess Yang, Piper Brooks,and Baher played high-pressure defense on the strong Charger guards, according to coach Laura Moore.
“Tonight, the Rams showed how much fight they have,” Moore said. “We refused to let the experience and talent of the Chargers intimidate us. While it is bittersweet to play our last game of 2019, we can’t wait to see what the New Year brings.”
Cate returns to the court Jan. 9 against Bishop Diego.
Butzke scored 18 points and Gerken tossed in 17 for the Chargers (10-4), who are off until their Channel League opener on Jan. 7.
“Mikayla and Ashley really came to play tonight, between them they had 35 points and 18 rebounds,” said DP assistant coach Mike Gerken. “Usually, when a pair of teammates combine for that many points, you win. But Cate was resilient and hit big shot after big shot. We could never build on a lead and Cate scored when they needed to. Good for them; they earned the victory.”