Watterworth’s game-winner lifts Oakland to upset of Illinois

WITH AUTHORITY: Oakland University sophomore Bethany Watterworth drives the lane for two points during the Golden Grizzlies' 62-61 upset of Illinois Wednesday. Courtesy Photo.

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

ROCHESTER HILLS  — Bethany Watterworth has made her fair share of big shots in her collegiate career. Perhaps Wednesday’s bucket with 2.7 seconds lefts on the clock is one of her biggest.

Watterworth, a 6-foot sophomore from Lake Orion, hit a putback with 2.7 seconds left in helping host Oakland to a 62-61 overtime triumph over visiting Illinois at the Athletics Center O’Rena.

The win gave Oakland a rare win over a Big Ten Conference opponent, as the Golden Grizzlies are now 8-20 all-time against teams from that league. Oakland also played Penn State at home in an overtime contest, but dropped a 96-89 decision last month to the Nittany Lions.

It was all hustle on the game-winning bucket.

“I caught the ball at the top of the key and I don’t know if I hit the rim. I was just going after the ball. I was just able to get the offensive rebound and power it up,” smiled Watterworth. “My teammates did a good job of getting me the ball and getting me open.”

Watterworth had a turnover near the end of regulation but turned the tables on her game-winner.

“We were down about that and as (coach) said we just had to shake it off and move on. You have to get a stop here and do well on offense,” said Watterworth. “There’s nothing you can do about (the turnover).”

Oakland couldn’t turn the clock back on its late turnovers during regulation, a similar Achilles’ heel that happened in the loss to Penn State. But the Grizzlies could atone from its last overtime hiccup, as OU outscored Illinois 7-6 in the overtime session.

The two teams were tied at 29-29 at the half and again 55-55 at the end of regulation.

Oakland coach Beckie Francis felt her team did a complete reversal as compared to the loss to Penn State, where the Grizzlies had a monumental collapse during the final five minutes of regulation and overtime.

“It took us about a week to shake the loss to Penn State,” said Oakland coach Beckie Francis. “We’ve practiced really well since then, and I was really impressed with how we kept our focus even though we made mistakes. We shook off the mistakes and got it done when we need to. Most of all I’m proud of our team’s leadership, intensity, and heart.”

Watterworth, who scored six of her team’s seven points in the extra session, finished with 29 points for Oakland (6-3), which won for the fifth straight time at home. Oakland sole home loss this year was in overtime.

Karisma Penn led Illinois with 24 points and 12 rebounds, good for her fifth double-double of the season. The Fighting Illini earned a 43-31 rebounding edge but had trouble inside against the Golden Grizzlies’ interior defense.

Junior center Brittany Carnago had six blocked shots, moving her into 11^th all-time in the Summit League with 138 career swats. Watterworth added a career-best four blocks for Oakland. The Golden Grizzlies also forced Illinois into 26 turnovers, picking off 13 passes in the contest.

“We didn’t play our best game defensively, but when it came down to it, we made the big stops. That’s all that matters,” said Wattwrworth.

With Illinois up 36-31, Watterworth scored six points in a four-second stretch to give Oakland the lead. She nailed a 3-pointer and after a turnover on a foul, Watterworth converted a three-point play for a 37-36 advantage.

That set up a wild final 16 minutes of regulation, where neither team could build a lead larger than four points.

“We practice the whole year for games like this,” said junior guard Sharise Calhoun. “I’m so proud of each and every one of our teammates. They kept their focus and the girls on the floor we so passionate. We did the little things, boxing out, getting major rebounds at the end.

“I think this is a great team win and we have a reason to celebrate,” added Calhoun. “But we have a big game coming up against (Toledo). It’s great to have this win going into (Toledo).”

Calhoun added 13 points and Zakiya Minifee finished with five points and 10 rebounds for Oakland.

Oakland held Illinois to only six shots from the charity stripe, not allowing the athletic Illini much operating room inside.

“I said in the locker room that the whole strategy of the game was to contain them, because they are so athletic and they drive. They get to the line,” said Francis. “For them to be able to (keep them off the line) in overtime and not foul them. That’s the sign of a championship team.

“I’ve coached for 21 years and I have a lot of experience of coaching in (tournaments). To play with this type of discipline reminds me of a good championship team in March,” added Francis. “To keep working hard in practice and good things will happen.”

It did Wednesday at the O’Rena.

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Category: Oakland University