Coyotes shut down Ranger
Lady Coyotes extend winning streak, Coyotes escape with last-second victory
Both Weatherford College basketball teams won their games against Ranger College on Saturday, Feb. 1, at the Betty Jo Graber Athletic Center.
The Lady Coyotes (12-8 overall, 5-3 in conference) started with a vicious 19-4 lead against the Lady Rangers (3-16, 0-7) in the first quarter building an 18-point lead at the half.
Keeping the Lady Rangers trailing with a near 30-point deficit through the third, WC celebrated as the clock ran down to zero in the fourth quarter, winning 73-52.
Multiple key free throws made by freshman guards Neso Anisiobi (18 points total) and Zion Hayes (11 points), accompanied by 10 rebounds from sophomore guard Jaque Giron (17 points) ultimately led the Lady Coyotes to their victory. WC has won five of its last six games in conference play.
The men's team also triumphed over Ranger with a 73-72 win.
Breaking out of the gate, the Coyotes (13-10 overall, 6-2 in conference) showed up and showed out against Ranger (12-11, 2-5) in the first half. With a 42-28 lead, WC was cruising for what looked like another runaway victory.
The Rangers, however, fought back. Trading the lead five times in the second half, both teams had the crowd holding their breath awaiting the final.
With under a minute in regulation and down three points to tie, four points to win, WC needed a miracle.
Enter sophomore forward Handy Toussaint (11 rebounds, 12 points total) and sophomore guard Antwan Wilson (19 points). Toussaint made both of his free throws after being fouled to make the score 72-71 in favor of the Rangers.
Only seconds remained. The ball came back to the Coyotes in the hands of Antwan Wilson, who managed to take one final shot. With a swish of the net, the Coyotes won 73-72. As the clock struck down, the WC bench swarmed Wilson, celebrating a photo finish.
Other notable performances that helped clinch the victory included freshman guard Adrian Shackleton going 3-for-3 on free throws scoring 16 points and sophomore forward Tyson Whybrew, who also went 3-for-3 on free throws scoring 11 points.
Both teams play at Collin College on Saturday, Feb. 8. The next home event is Wednesday, Feb. 12, where the Coyotes will take on McLennan Community College, at 5 and 7 p.m.