WICHITA, Kan. — In an early season non-conference matchup that could have passed as a postseason clash, the (RV) Friends University Falcons edged the No. 12-ranked Hastings College Broncos 104-102 in a thrilling double-overtime game this evening (Nov. 5) inside the Garvey Center. 

Lauryn McIver poured in a career-high 31 points, including nailing a big shot to give Friends a two possession lead of 102-98 with 1:46 left in the second overtime period. 

As was the theme much of the night, the game continued a back and forth pace and the Broncos got a bucket and two free throws from Josilyn Miller to pull even at 102-102 with 40 seconds remaining. 

Abigail Barr and McIver then proceeded to split two free throws to leave the Falcons up by two with the Broncos gaining possession with four seconds on the clock. 

Bailey Kissinger then got free inside but had a layup roll off the rim as time expired to allow the Falcons to hold on for the big victory. 

Each team had a chance to win at the end of regulation and the first overtime, with the Broncos misfiring in regulation and the Falcons coming up short at the end of the first overtime session. 

It was roller coaster action from the outset, and it was the Broncos who started strong behind three treys from McKenna Yates for a 14-7 lead. 

The Falcons got back into it when consecutive baskets by Barr helped spark a 14-6 spurt that gave Friends a one-point edge. 

Hastings made another run and led 25-23 at the end of the first quarter and promptly scored the first nine points of the second period to build a double-digit lead. 

A three-point play by Ann Bose extended the Hastings lead to a game-high 15 points and the Broncos settled for a 45-33 lead at the break. 

For the second time in three games, the Falcons made a massive run in the third quarter, this time getting a three-point play from McIver and a three-pointer by Katie Weiss to cap an 18-6 burst to give Friends its first lead since the aforementioned 21-20 edge. 

The Broncos briefly regained the lead, but a score by Barr and a three from McIver gave the Falcons a 61-58 lead heading to the fourth. 

After Hastings surged again and led by four at the 3:29 mark, the Falcons answered and that set the stage for a wild finish to regulation that featured four lead changes during the final 1:36 until Garner split two free throws with seven seconds left that eventually forced overtime. 

"Sometimes you have to grit out a win," said Friends women's basketball head coach Dean Jaderston. "That was the fastest and best shooting team we've played against this year. I thought the way we came out in the third quarter set the tone for the rest of the game. I loved the fight I saw in our team…they never gave up. It was a team win too. Even though Lauryn McIver had a giant night, we also had four other players in double digits. That's how we have to play."

The Falcons will next play at Haskell Indian Nations University next Tuesday (Nov. 11) at 6 pm in Lawrence, Kan.  

Friends Top Performers  

Lauryn McIver  
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- 31 points (career-high)
- 3 blocks  
- 4 steals  
- 6 assists  

Rayland Garner  
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- 20 points  
- 13 rebounds  
- 5 assists  

Katie Weiss  
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- 14 points  
- 4/10 three-pointers made  
- 5 assists  

Abigail Barr  
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- 19 points  
- 9 rebounds  
- 9/15 field goals made

Hastings Top Performers

Bailey Kissinger  
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- 22 points  
- 8 assists  
- 4 steals  

Mariyah Avila  
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- 19 points  
- 4 assists  
- 2 steals  

McKenna Yates  
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- 17 points  
- 4/12 three-pointers made  
- 8 rebounds