After trailing by double digits, the No. 15 Grayson Vikings came out firing in the second half, particularly in the fourth quarter as they downed Paris 66-62. The Viking scored 23 points in the final quarter, with Lily Melton connecting on the go-ahead three as the Vikings won their ninth straight game. The game came down to free throws, with Jaycee Ingram and Madison Martin combining to go 14-14 in the fourth quarter.
It was a slow start for the Vikings early on. Tay Biglow's three pointer was their only field goal for the first 8:07 of the quarter. Grayson kept it close, taking advantage of the opportunities at the free throw line. Susan Fahnbulleh's transition layup with 1:53 remaining broke the field goal less streak. Dree Johnson scored the final four points for the Vikings as they trailed 18-14 at the end of the opening frame.
The second quarter saw the deficit swell to 12 points early on, with Paris opening the quarter on a 10-2 run to take a 28-16 lead. Johnson ended the run with a drive to the basket, laying it up to cut it to 10. Out of a timeout, the Vikings responded with a 11-2 run, capped off by a Lyric Berridge three pointer to cut the deficit to five with 1:45 left. Paris scored the final four of the quarter to put the Vikings in a 36-27 hole at the half.
Martin got the second half started with a layup, while the Vikings defense held Paris scoreless for the first three minutes of the half. The Lady Dragon offense got going as they once again put the Vikings in a double digit deficit with 5:12 remaining, but Grayson continued to chip away at the deficit. Melton connected from the three point line late in the quarter, as the Vikings trailed by just five heading into the fourth quarter.
The Vikings continued to battle, but were unable to pull any closer than five; trailing 54-49 with 4:20 to play. Melton's offensive rebound and layup cut it to 54-51 with 4:00 to play. After Paris responded with a basket, Ingram cut it right back to a three point deficit with two free throws. After a defensive stop, Martin, the Vikings leader in free throw percentage, cut it to a 56-55 deficit with 3:20 to play on a pair of free throws. After another defensive stop, Melton was left wide open in the corner for the go-ahead three pointer with 2:15 to play as the Vikings stormed back to take a 58-56 lead. Paris tied it with 1:00 left, but Ingram was fouled from the free throw line, sinking her free throws for a 60-58 lead. Paris had an opportunity to tie with 25 seconds left, but went 1-2 at the line and the Vikings closed out the win.
Ingram led the way with a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Vikings. Martin finished with 12 points, while Melton had 10 off the bench.
The Vikings hit the road on Dec. 11 taking on Western Oklahoma State College.
