Taylor’s late shot lifts Savannah Steel past Jacksonville Waves in overtime
SAVANNAH, Ga. —
Lauryn Taylor scored 20 points and hit the winning shot with 0.3 seconds remaining in overtime as the Savannah Steel defeated the Jacksonville Waves 92-90 on Sunday at Enmarket Arena.
The victory gave Savannah (9-25) its first win over Jacksonville and closed the Steel’s inaugural UPSHOT League season.
Taylor, playing on her birthday, came off the bench midway through overtime and made two 3-pointers before converting the decisive basket.
“I just kept confidence in myself throughout this entire season,” Taylor said. Taylor added that coach Toccara Ross told her to shoot when she was open.
JJ Quinerly led Savannah with 27 points and made 12 of 15 free throws. Ja’Leah Williams finished with 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists in 42 minutes.
Williams credited Ross with helping build her confidence.
“I really take heed to having a connection with a coach, and she had faith in me before even seeing me play,” Williams said. “She does a great job, not just on the court but off the court, of giving you that extra confidence to believe in yourself.”
Jacksonville controlled much of the first half before Savannah took a 39-38 lead into halftime. The Waves regained the advantage in the third quarter and led by as many as eight points.
Ariel Hearn led Jacksonville with 22 points. Rennia Davis added 18 points and eight rebounds.
Savannah used an 8-0 run in the fourth quarter to help force overtime. The Steel also held a 16-8 advantage in points off turnovers.
Savannah outscored Jacksonville 15-13 in overtime. Alaina Coates provided key defensive plays during the extra period before Taylor’s winning basket.
The game featured 15 lead changes and 15 ties.