Wiley Edges Dillard in Overtime Thriller for a Seat in the Championship Game

TUSCALOOSA, AL– In a fiercely contested women's basketball matchup on March 1, 2025, Wiley College from Texas narrowly defeated Dillard University from Louisiana, 48-45, in an overtime battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The game, played in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, highlighted the grit and determination of both teams as they fought tooth and nail for victory.

The game opened with a slow-paced first quarter, where Wiley managed to secure a slim 9-5 lead. Dillard responded in the second quarter, outscoring Wiley 9-6, and bringing the score to a close 15-14 in favor of Wiley at halftime.

The third quarter saw Dillard take the lead, thanks to a 17-point burst led by Skyler Christmas, who was the standout performer for Dillard with 17 points. Entering the final quarter, Dillard held a narrow 31-28 advantage. However, Wiley rallied back in the fourth quarter with a strong 13-point performance, tying the game at 41-41 and forcing the matchup into overtime.

In the overtime period, Wiley managed to outscore Dillard 7-4, clinching the victory. Jessica Nerestant was instrumental in Wiley's win, contributing 14 points and securing crucial rebounds. Celebria Peacock also played a key role, adding 13 points, including three three-pointers.

Despite the defeat, Dillard's Cassidy Lowe showcased her skills with a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. D'Mya Ferguson was also impressive on the boards with 11 rebounds, helping Dillard maintain a competitive edge throughout the game.

Both teams struggled with shooting efficiency, with Wiley making just 24.7% of their field goals and Dillard slightly better at 26.5%. However, Wiley's superior free-throw shooting at 75% compared to Dillard's 43.8% proved to be a decisive factor in the tightly contested game.

The victory improved Wiley's record to 15-13, while Dillard's record stood at 18-9 after the hard-fought encounter. The game, officiated by C. Boudreaux, B. Seymour, and J. Cunningham, was free of technical fouls, reflecting the disciplined play of both teams.

This loss ended our lady Bleu Devils season, but not with sadness. The ladies fought hard and senior, Skyler Christmas was selected to the All-Tournament team.

-Bleu Devils-