Unforgettable Buzzer Beater in Shreveport: A Night to Remember for Gold Nuggets!
Shreveport, La. — The air was electric this past Monday as fans gathered for a thrilling showdown between Xavier University of Louisiana’s Gold Nuggets and the LSU-Shreveport Pilots. In a game that had everyone on the edge of their seats, Kam Shelley delivered a breathtaking moment that will certainly go down in history: a jaw-dropping 3-pointer from a staggering 30 feet away, hitting the buzzer just right and sealing the victory for the Gold Nuggets by a score of 65-62.
Gold Nuggets on Fire!
With this win, the Gold Nuggets continued their remarkable start this season, boasting an impressive record of 9-0 overall and remaining at the top of the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC) with a perfect 6-0 in conference play. This incredible achievement marks the team’s best start in an astonishing 43 seasons. Talk about making history!
To add to the excitement, this victory also ended LSU-Shreveport’s lengthy 30-game conference win streak. The Pilots now sit at 5-3 overall with a 4-1 record in the RRAC.
A Nail-Biting Finish
The climax of the game was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. With only 1.9 seconds remaining, the Gold Nuggets were facing a tie score of 62-62. The inbounds play, which started at the low post, saw Shelley making a mad dash to catch a pass from her teammate Lauren Banks along the right sideline. With plenty of space to launch her shot, Shelley executed flawlessly, and the referees confirmed the three-pointer after reviewing the play on video. What a moment!
“This was a very intense, emotional moment for me,” Shelley shared. “We had to get this win.” It’s no wonder she was feeling the pressure; as the team’s leading scorer, she racked up a season-high 22 points in this game. Her exceptional performance proved crucial in securing the win.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Other key players for the Gold Nuggets included Zaria Harleaux, who contributed 14 points, and the relentless rebounder Patricia Sosa Lora, who pulled down an impressive 13 rebounds. Adding to the team’s dynamic were Joy Campbell, who facilitated plays with nine assists, and also had five steals and six rebounds, showcasing a well-rounded game.
Even with the Gold Nuggets’ dominant performance, the Pilots fought hard to stay in the game, with Helena Galunic and Selma Markisic each scoring 13 points in a commendable effort. The Gold Nuggets were ahead at numerous points, particularly after an explosive 18-2 run gave them a 23-9 lead midway through the first half. But the Pilots rallied back, tying the game three times, proving that they were far from out of it.
What’s Next for the Gold Nuggets?
As the semester break approaches, the Gold Nuggets will pause for exams before resuming their quest with more RRAC home games coming up soon. On Dec. 12, they will face Texas A&M-Texarkana, then take on Southwest (N.M.) on Dec. 19 and Paul Quinn on Dec. 21. A victory against TAMUT would tie the program-record for the best start at 10-0, matching the accomplishment set back in 1980-81.
Excitement is building for the Gold Nuggets as they head into this upcoming stretch. With such a thrilling victory under their belts and an unyielding momentum, who knows what else they’ll achieve this season? Fans are eagerly awaiting to see what these talented women will do next!
