APPLETON, Wis. -- Jodi Watkins hit a 3-pointer with five seconds left to lift the Grinnell College women's basketball team to a 59-57 Midwest Conference win over Lawrence University on Friday night.
Lawrence's Mara Hagopian got a shot off before the buzzer, but it was partially blocked by Megan Huey to preserve the victory.
Erin Henzi had a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds to pace Lawrence (0-14, 0-7 MWC). Laura Aerts added 16 points and a game-high four assists for the Vikings. Watkins and Jessica Shotts scored 14 points apiece to lead Grinnell (3-12, 2-6).
Lawrence seized control of the game by running out to a 17-3 lead, capped by Henzi's 3-pointer with 12:53 left in the first half. Grinnell then went on a 15-0 run, with Watkins hitting a pair of 3-pointers, to take an 18-17 lead with 7:11 left in the opening half.
Henzi finally stopped the run with a layup and Lawrence would hold onto a 26-25 lead at the half. It marked the first time all season Lawrence had led at the half.
The Vikings led 39-36 when Hagopian and Aerts hit 3-pointers, sandwiched around a basket by America McClure, to take a 47-36 lead with 10:06 left in the game. Lawrence still led 56-51 after Hagopian converted 1 of 2 free throws with 1:28 left.
Shotts hit a 3-pointer for Grinnell to cut the lead to 56-54 with 1:09 left, and a turnover by the Vikings gave the ball back to the Pioneers. Shotts was fouled and hit two free throws with 33 seconds left to tie the game at 56-56.
Henzi was then fouled with 16 seconds left and hit 1 of 2 free throws to put Lawrence up 57-56. Watkins then hit the 3-pointer that proved to be the game-winning basket.