TUPELO, Miss. — They say the best things come to those who wait.

On Sunday, the Sugar Bears brought home their first-ever Gulf South Conference Tournament championship in grand fashion, waiting 39:58 to put away the Lady Blazers of Valdosta State 66-65 in an epic affair that featured 15 ties and 14 lead changes.

With 2.3 seconds remaining, UCA’s senior All-American Carone Harris lobbed an inbounds pass over a Valdosta defender to Caronica Randle who gathered herself, went up and let go of the shot game-winning shot.

The final buzzer sounded as the ball fell through the net, and the celebration was on for the Sugar Bears (24-6), who continued their storybook season by claiming their first conference crown and securing the top seed in the NCAA Tournament’s South Regional they will host this weekend.

Trailing 63-61 with 35 seconds to play, Renita Dobbins came up with a big steal and five seconds later Harris fed the ball to Randle, who hit a jumper and drew the foul from Valdosta’s Candice Ferrell. Randle made the free throw to put UCA ahead 64-63 with 29 seconds remaining.

Valdosta answered back with a runner from guard Traci Newton with 13 seconds to play to give them the 65-64 edge.

On the other end, Dobbins drove on the left side and blew past her defender to go in for the layup. She was met near the goal by Amber Daniels, who blocked the shot out of bounds.

That left time for essentially one shot, and the Sugar Bears went to the play they had run so many times successfully in the past. Once again, it worked.

Harris, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, led all scorers with 20 points. Randle, an All-Tournament selection, added 19 and Dobbins pitched in 12.

Ferrell led the way for Valdosta with 19 and Newton added 17 in the loss.

The Sugar Bears open the tournament with their first-round game Friday in the Farris Center against Rollins (21-9).

(This week’s Echo will feature a full game recap and photos.)





		Sugar Bears claim first ever GSC title

		TUPELO, Miss. — They say the best things come to those who wait. On Sunday, the Sugar Bears brought home their first-ever Gulf South Conference Tournament championship in grand fashion, waiting 39:58 to put away the Lady Blazers of Valdosta State 66-65 in an epic affair that featured 15 ties and 14 lead changes. With 2.3 seconds remaining, UCA’s senior All-American Carone Harris lobbed an inbounds pass over a Valdosta defender to Caronica Randle who gathered herself, went up and let go of the shot game-winning shot. The final buzzer sounded as the ball fell through the net, and the celebration was on for the Sugar Bears (24-6), who continued their storybook season by claiming their first conference crown and securing the top seed in the NCAA Tournament’s South Regional they will host this weekend. Trailing 63-61 with 35 seconds to play, Renita Dobbins came up with a big steal and five seconds later Harris fed the ball to Randle, who hit a jumper and drew the foul from Valdosta’s Candice Ferrell. Randle made the free throw to put UCA ahead 64-63 with 29 seconds remaining. Valdosta answered back with a runner from guard Traci Newton with 13 seconds to play to give them the 65-64 edge. On the other end, Dobbins drove on the left side and blew past her defender to go in for the layup. She was met near the goal by Amber Daniels, who blocked the shot out of bounds. That left time for essentially one shot, and the Sugar Bears went to the play they had run so many times successfully in the past. Once again, it worked. Harris, who was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, led all scorers with 20 points. Randle, an All-Tournament selection, added 19 and Dobbins pitched in 12. Ferrell led the way for Valdosta with 19 and Newton added 17 in the loss. The Sugar Bears open the tournament with their first-round game Friday in the Farris Center against Rollins (21-9). (This week’s Echo will feature a full game recap and photos.)