Spencer's late free throws lift Port Clinton to upset of Mansfield

MANSFIELD — Olivia Spencer made the two biggest free throws of her life Saturday night to lift Port Clinton to a sectional title. Spencer, a junior forward, was fouled with six seconds to play and the Redskins trailing by one point in a Division II sectional final. Spencer responded with two makes and PC held on to upset Mansfield Senior 46-45 on the Tygers' home court. Mansfield was the top seed in the Northwest 2 District. "It's been a long time since this program has cut down nets," PC coach Kevin Belden said. "It was an incredible feeling watching them embrace each other. It was such an emotional celebration." Mansfield made a free throw to take a late 45-44 lead. Belden called timeout with 13 seconds left. With star senior Da'Cariya Lanier and starter Olivia Emerson fouled out, he looked to the athletic Spencer. "We drew up something for her to attack," Belden said. "She was going down the side and they bumped her." Spencer made the first free throw, then Mansfield called timeout. "She was freaking out a little bit but was calm and cool when she put two through the bottom the net," Belden said. "No rim." After Spencer gave the Redskins the lead, Mansfield rushed downcourt. Belden credited freshman Lilly Wagner with making a strong defensive play in the final seconds. Lanier led the Redskins with 20 points, but just six in the second half because of foul trouble. "Obviously it was a little dicey," Belden said. "If you would've told me that (Lanier would foul out) I'd bet we'd be in trouble, but that's the improvement from the other girls.' PC led 10-4 early in a game that was tight throughout. Mansfield led 26-25 at halftime and the game was tied 38-38 after three quarters. Spencer finished with 10 points while Emerson and Erieyonna Buckley each had eight. Kiersten Bradley scored 22 points for Mansfield, which finished its season with a 19-4 record. Fifth-seeded PC, which improved to 17-7, will face Toledo Central Catholic in Thursday's 6 p.m. district semifinal at Old Fort. Toledo CC knocked off third-seeded Shelby on Saturday. Second-seeded Bellevue will face ninth-seeded Lexington in Thursday's nightcap. PORT CLINTON Olivia Spencer 3 3-4 10, Erieyonna Buckley 2 4-6 8, Da'Cariya Lanier 8 2-5 20, Olivia Emerson 2 2-2 8. TOTALS 15 11-17 46 MANSFIELD SR. Myers 1 1-4 3, Manns 1 0-0 2, Hilory 2 2-4 6, Bradley 8 1-4 22, Windham 3 0-0 9, Norris 1 1-2 3. TOTALS 16 5-14 45 Port Clinton 18 7 13 8 — 46Mansfield Sr. 14 12 12 7 — 45 Three-point goals: PC 5 (Lanier 2, Emerson 2, Spencer 1); Mansfield Sr. 8 (Bradley 5, Windham 3)