OTTAWA - The Carleton Ravens are 4-0 to start the 2023-24 season following a thrilling 81-79 overtime win.
Kali Pocrnic got the Ravens started in the first quarter scoring five of her game-high 25 but it was Jacqueline Urban and Tatyanna Burke who were the difference combining for 14 points. Brock was a game opponent for the defending national champions with Oluwatito Akinnusi scoring 11 points in the opening quarter to drive the visitors.
It was a back-and-forth second quarter for Carleton, who say their three-point shooting go a difficult 1-for-8. Oceane KounKou had the Ravens' loan three of the quarter as Carleton found themselves ahead by just three at the break.
The intensity picked up in the second half with Brock battling their way back to lead by one at the end of the third. In the fourth, the two teams seemed destiny for extra time, trading baskets and battling their way to the line for extra points. In the quarter's dying seconds it was key three-pointers from Bazzi Noor and Angeline Campbell that tied the game at 71 giving Pocrnic a chance to win it for Carleton at the buzzer.
The Carleton guard's shot wouldn't fall and the thrilling home opener was headed to overtime.
The Ravens took an early lead to start the extra frame with Kyana Jade Poulin hitting a three to put the Ravens ahead. Both teams would exchange field goals in the middle of the period before Brock battled back to tie it once again with 17 seconds to play. Managing the clock, Carleton used the final possession to their advantage.
With the ball in her hands, Pocrnic once again had a chance to win, but her field goal rang off the rim directly to Zerina Duvjnak. The Ravens second-year guard made no mistake with the putback at the buzzer to secure the victory
Carleton returns to action Saturday night when they host Lakehead at 6:00 p.m. Before the game on Saturday, the Ravens will be honoured for their 2023 U SPORTS Championships when they are presented with their championship rings.