Cottey College delivered one of the most dramatic wins of its season on Saturday, outlasting Hannibal‑LaGrange 74–72 in double overtime. The Comets showed toughness, poise, and depth in a game that featured huge momentum swings and clutch plays on both ends of the floor.

First Half – Slow Start, Strong Response

Cottey opened the game cold, scoring just 11 points in the first quarter and trailing 15–11. But the Comets steadied themselves in the second, tightening up defensively and getting key buckets from AuShae Farris, Gabrielle Burrus, and Andrea Aragon.

A 16‑13 second‑quarter advantage pulled Cottey within one at halftime, trailing 28–27.

Third Quarter – Comets Take Control

Cottey played its best stretch of regulation in the third, outscoring HLGU 18–8 behind:

• Farris heating up from deep

• Makenzie Haynes providing efficient scoring off the bench

• Burrus facilitating the offense with pace and precision

The Comets built a 45–36 lead heading into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter – HLGU Forces Overtime

Hannibal‑LaGrange stormed back with a 21‑12 fourth quarter, fueled by Mykaela Elliott, who was nearly unstoppable all night with 26 points. Cottey had chances late, but the Trojans forced overtime with the game tied at 57–57.

Overtime – Trading Punches

The first overtime was a defensive grind. Farris and Burrus hit key shots, while Ava Maner knocked down clutch free throws. Both teams scored seven points, sending the game to a second overtime tied at 64–64.

Second Overtime – Cottey Finishes the Job

The Comets found another gear in the second OT:

• Farris drilled her fourth three of the night

• Haynes scored inside and provided a huge defensive presence

• Burrus controlled the tempo and delivered her sixth assist

• Maner and LaNear made winning plays on both ends

Cottey outscored HLGU 10–8 in the final frame to secure the 74–72 road victory.

Cottey College Standouts

AuShae Farris – 20 points, 4 threes, 3 steals

A big‑game scorer when Cottey needed it most, Farris hit clutch shots all night and was the Comets' most consistent offensive threat.

Gabrielle Burrus – 13 points, 6 assists, 2 steals

Played a marathon 47 minutes, ran the offense, and made winning plays in both overtimes.

Makenzie Haynes – 11 points (5‑for‑7 shooting)

A massive spark off the bench, providing efficient scoring and timely interior toughness.

Ava Maner – 7 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

Steady, composed, and clutch at the free‑throw line.

Andrea Aragon – 9 points, 4 rebounds

Gave Cottey early scoring and defensive stability.

Ellaina LaNear – 42 minutes, 3 rebounds, 2 assists

A glue‑player performance — defended, rebounded, and kept possessions alive.

Team Notes

• Cottey shot 40.6% from the field and 76.9% at the line.

• The Comets assisted on 16 of 28 made baskets.

• Cottey's bench outscored HLGU's 21–2 — a decisive factor in a double‑OT game.

• The Comets improve to 6–19 (5–11 AMC) and clinch a spot in the Amerian Midwest Conference tournament