The Cyclone home opener included a hefty lead, a deficit, a win in the last seconds and an ultimate 400th college victory for Head Coach Delwyn Jones in their matchup with Joliet Junior College.
This was Moraine Valley's first win of the season decided in the last seconds of the game without four of the six starters. There were only a couple moments when the Cyclones were down, which was early in the first quarter and then the last few minutes of the game. Bashirah Muhammad started for Katchie Savic, who was out, and ran point guard effectively. Nevertheless, the offense struggled for the third consecutive game, scoring only 14 points in the first quarter yet still leading by three.
The second quarter was more of the same, but both starting center Mikayla Dove and guard Maggie Manthey had game-ending injuries. By halftime, the Cyclones were up 25-21.
Like many past Cyclone teams, this crew found their offensive stride in the third quarter, scoring 19 points and leading by as much at one time. But that subsided as the Wolves caught up with the Cyclones, who only led 44-39 at the end of the third quarter.
Muhammad picked up her fourth foul, leaving her team without a point guard for nine minutes and allowing the Wolves to come back. The Wolves led briefly and continued to tie the game in the last two minutes. Kamholz earned free throws to put her team up 52-50 with 36 seconds but the Wolves tied it again with a layup. Muhammad then drove to the basket and passed to an open Briana Sanchez, who hit a 12-foot jump shot with 1.5 seconds left on the clock to win the game 54-52.
Kirsten Kamholz battled through injury but still led the team with 18 points, going 6-for-12 from the floor. Kelsey Kelley led with five rebounds and four assists, adding nine points. Mary Chronopoulou scored nine, all three pointers.
This was Jones' 400th victory leading the Cyclones over the last 22 seasons. Of course, he gives credit to others for the accomplishment.
"I was lucky enough to have great athletes and good character players to help establish a winning mentality. My assistant coaches except for one year have been former players from mine or the men's team who came from winning teams, and they have the same winning expectations I have," Jones said. "So much love to my former coaches and players for every single win. And special thanks to my former coaches and players who volunteered to come back through the years to talk to current teams about their experiences."