St. Monica Steals Victory, Defeats Notre Dame Academy for the Second Time, 47-46 in Overtime

LOS ANGELES – For the second game in as many weeks, the St. Monica girls’ basketball team defeated the Notre Dame Academy Regal Gryphons, and for the second game in as many weeks, had to work hard for the 47-46 overtime victory Tuesday evening. The Mariners defeated the Regal Gryphons just two weeks prior 56-53 in the championship game of its tournament.

It was the hosts however who opened with a 8-0 run until Molly Tomlin finally put the Mariners on the board with about six minutes left to go in the first quarter.

Tomlin finished with a game high 18 points, including the game tying and winning shot of the game. She also had three rebounds and two assists. Sarah Gobrial tallied seven points and four assists, while Gloria Scipioni and L French pitched in six points and four rebounds apiece for the Mariners 13-2.

The Mariners would proceed to go on an 11-3 run to take a 13-8 lead to end the first quarter.

Stephanie Umeh led the way for Notre Dame Academy with a double-double (16 points, 13 rebounds) and four blocks. Sidney McClain added 11 points, including a big 3-pointer at the final buzzer to send the game into overtime. Kendall Chan pitched in eight points and five assists, while Khile Hilaire added five points for the Regal Gryphons who fell to 9-4.

Despite leading throughout the entire game, the Mariners could not keep the hosts down, as Notre Dame Academy was able to claw back into the game. McClain made a 3-pointer to close the gap to 40-37, and then Umeh added another basket to make it 40-39.

After two made free throws by Gobrial, Notre Dame Academy took a timeout to set up McClain’s dramatic shot to send the game into overtime at 42-42.

The Regal Gryphons scored the first four points of the overtime period, but couldn’t hold on as Alejandra Lopez converted two free throws. Tomlin would steal a pass and drove all the way down for a score and a foul.

Notre Dame Academy had one last chance to win the game with three seconds to go, but the final desperation heave fell short.

The Mariners hosts St. Anthony’s Thursday night for its final tune up before going into league. St. Monica’s open league next Tuesday as it travels to La Salle for a 7pm tipoff.

BOX SCORE

ST MONICA (47)- Molly Tomlin (18), Sarah Gobrial (7), Gloria Scipioni (6), L French (6), Elena Kostadinov (4), Alejandra Lopez (4), Brianna George (2)

NOTRE DAME ACADEMY (46) – Stephanie Umeh (16), Sidney McClain (11), Kendall Chan (8), Khile Hilaire (5), Sophia Costanzo (3), Dannielle Orteza (2), Ja'Rya Mack (1)