Three Rivers women hold off State Fair to stay unbeaten

MOBERLY, Mo. — The Three Rivers women’s basketball team kept on rolling Saturday in the Region XVI Showdown as the Raiders defeated State Fair Community College 71-65, improving their record to 13-0 overall and 4-0 in the region.

The win didn't come without some bumps in the road as both teams were trading the lead in the late stages of the fourth quarter, but the Raiders were able to put the game away from the free-throw line in the final 30 seconds.

Karlee Holland led the Raiders offense with 18 points while Myia Yelder had 14 and Jenna McMillen recorded 12. The team also had 15 steals and 18 offensive rebounds.

Three Rivers was able to get out in front in the first quarter, but State Fair was right behind them as the Raiders held a 19-15 lead at the end of the first 10 minutes.

In the second quarter, Joi Montgomery went down after accidentally getting hit in the head going after a loose ball, but she was able to return in the second half.

Three Rivers had a 45-33 advantage at the break.

The Raiders still had ahold of the lead at the end of the third 55-48, but State Fair started the fourth quarter with a 9-3 run in the first three minutes to trail 58-57.

The Roadrunners eventually took the lead, but Three Rivers was right there with them as both teams traded blows in the final minutes.

With under 30 seconds on the clock, State Fair was in desperation mode as they fouled McMillen with the Raiders up 66-65. She was able to make both free throws and put the game on ice by making two more shots from the charity stripe as Three Rivers' perfect season remains intact.

The Region XVI Showdown will conclude as Three Rivers will take on Jefferson College at 1 p.m. Sunday.