Columbia, SC - Basketball may be a player's game, but every now and then… a coach draws up something so cold, it deserves its own highlight reel.
With four seconds left in regulation, the game tied 73-73, and the ball underneath Allen's own basket — all eyes turned to Head Coach Olivia Gaines. What happened next was a masterclass in poise, preparation, and pure execution.
Gaines called a perfectly timed timeout and dialed up an out-of-bounds (OB) set that will be remembered for a long time inside The Hive. As the Lady Bearcats of Lander scrambled to adjust, Eboni Clay slipped behind the defense off a misdirection look, caught a pinpoint inbound from Morgan Smith, and laid it in—bucket. AU up two.
Lander's desperation heave fell short, sealing a 75–73 non-conference victory and stamping another gritty win in The Gaines Era. But beyond the final shot was a full game of fight, grit, and team execution.
Key Players
- Morgan Smith (So., Guard) was a true floor general, leading the team with 14 points, dropping dimes, and wrecking havoc defensively with a game-high 5 steals, many of which led directly to fast break scores.
- Kassadi King (Jr., Forward) matched a team-high 14 points of her own, providing consistent scoring and veteran presence in the frontcourt.
- Eboni Clay (So., Guard) was calm under pressure and delivered the game-winning basket, showing poise beyond her years in the biggest moment playing solid all night pouring in 13 points.
- Peighton Jambor (Jr., Forward) continued her reign on the boards, pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds and hitting the clutch game-tying free throw that set up the defensive pressure and The Play.
This was more than just a win — it was a moment of growth for a team that's finally full strength and focused. The chemistry, timing, and toughness were all on display — and the results speak loud.
NEXT UP:
Catch the Lady Yellow Jackets back in action tonight at 5:30PM vs. Spring Hill College in The Hive. The momentum is real. The squad is locked in. The Gaines Era is just heating up.
