Despite constant shifts in momentum throughout the entirety of the game, Blue Valley Northwest defeated Blue Valley for the second time this season in overtime, 44-43.

Head coach Brian Bubalo said the team came into senior night knowing it was going to be a tight, physical game.

“We knew we were going to have to play hard and I thought we did that,” Bubalo said. “We didn’t shoot very well, but we were prepared for a close game.”

Senior forward Abby Bird said both teams are evenly matched and the Huskies knew they had to bring high intensity if they wanted to leave the game with another victory.

“We knew we had to play well because we’re pretty evenly matched,” Bird, who scored a team-high 16 points said. “We knew we had to play our best game to win.”

The Huskies offense had its fair share of troubles in the first half, putting up a mere 17 points. Junior guard Bridget Harrison said the team failed to make enough successful shots in the first half.

“We weren’t really hitting our shots, so we knew we would just have to depend on our passing, lay-ups and our free throws to give us our points,” Harrison said.

Senior Raegan Phillips said having two other seniors heading into their last half playing at BVNW motivated the team to push through and win.

“There was just a spark that we had [in the second half],” Phillips said. “The competitiveness showed up and everyone just started moving the ball.”

With 40 seconds left in the fourth quarter, BVNW lead BVHS, 41-34. However, the Tigers evened the score, 41-41, forcing the matchup into overtime, just as the first matchup had.

“Blue Valley fought hard and made a great comeback when we were up seven, so you gotta give them credit for getting the game to overtime,” Bubalo said.

In the overtime period, Bird was fouled twice, making three free throws to win the game, 44-43.

Bubalo said both teams fought well and he was happy to see the three seniors snatch their senior night win.

“I was happy for our seniors,” Bubalo said. “Abby, Raegan, and Taylor [Victorine] have worked and dedicated themselves to the team for four years. They’ve been team players and important parts of the program.”