Trojans winning streak ends at 16

Malcolm X College ended up as the bookends to the Triton College women's basketball team's record-breaking winning streak.

On their home court on December 4, the Hawks lost 57-50 as the Trojans' Jayla Rankin, rounding into shape as one of the country's top scorers, tallied 26 points, including five three-pointers in 10 attempts.

But on the road at the Jorndt Athletic Complex gymnasium Thursday night (Feb. 19) – and minus two key starters down the stretch – the inspired Hawks (15-7) shockingly overcome a 14-point third-quarter deficit to consign the 19-9 Trojans' 16-game streak to the history books in a 71-67 victory.

Lakayla Hudson, who totaled just nine points overall, nailed a pair of key three-pointers down the stretch to derail Triton.

The first came with just under three minutes to go, giving Malcolm X a 65-63 lead. After the Trojans took a brief one-point lead on Mariah Phelps' two free throws seconds later, Hudson's trey gave the visitors a 70-67 lead with just a minute to go.

Only scoring 12 points in the fourth quarter, the Trojans were unable to get off a good shot to tie or better in the final minute before a Hawks free-throw registered the final score.

The Hawks were able to complete their rally without star Nia Allen, the game's high scorer with 17 points. Allen fouled out shortly after the first of Hudson's key three-pointers.

Triton had enjoyed an impressive first half, boosted by a 16-3 run in the second quarter that helped forge a 42-30 lead at intermission. The hosts then boosted their advantage to 53-39 midway through the third quarter.

Suddenly, the Trojans' offense went quiet as the third quarter ended. The Hawks went on an 11-0 run that extended into the fourth quarter as Jada Branch, Alivia Brown and Kyra Paul were plagued by foul trouble.

The Hawks' surge expanded to 17-2 to ensure the game would go down to the final minute. The Trojans were unable to craft more than a two-point lead the rest of the way.

Rankin, who had 12 points at halftime, cooled off to finish with a team-high 16 and six assists. Phelps and Jazzmine Smith each had 12. For the game, Triton shot just 34 percent overall.

The stunning loss did not affect Triton's postseason seeding. The Trojans maintained their No. 1 seed for the Region 4 Division I tournament beginning March 2. In Region 4, the Trojans are 13-1 against Division I opponents.

Triton still has one statistical goal – the fifth straight season with at least 20 victories. Two more regular-season games remain each on the road, against Joliet Junior College (Feb. 21) and Wright College (Feb. 26).

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(Story by tritonathletics.com contributor George Castle)