McPherson, Kan. — The Central Christian College of Kansas women's basketball team delivered a fourth-quarter rally for the ages on Saturday afternoon but ultimately fell just short, 62–57, to Southwestern College inside the Jerry E Alexander Arena.

Trailing by 20 points with just over seven minutes remaining, the Tigers unleashed a furious comeback led by Chloe Clevenger, who scored 18 of her team-high 21 points in the final period. Clevenger connected on four three-pointers during the surge and added 12 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, recording her first double-double of the young season and the seventh of her Tiger career. Her final three-pointer trimmed the deficit to 58–57 with 25 seconds left, capping a 23–4 run that brought the Homecoming crowd to its feet.

The comeback was ignited by Clevenger and the group of Shamaya Brown, Haiden Smoke-Sheckles, Boston Tyler, and Madyson George. The lineup provided energy, poise, and relentless effort during the Tigers' 26-point quarter. Brown sparked the defense with hustle and composure, Smoke-Sheckles crashed the glass and assisted on one of Clevenger's late threes, Tyler added a timely three-pointer and a driving layup, and George delivered key minutes with tight defense, a clutch rebound, and an assist that fueled the momentum. In the 7 minute stretch this group out-scored the Builders 25-6, and held them to one made basket, also having a possession with under 1 minute remaining with a chance to take the lead.

Charmayne Marshall added 16 points, hitting three shots from beyond the arc and handing out four assists.

After struggling offensively through the first three quarters, Central exploded over the final seven minutes, shooting 55.6% from the field and 62.5% from three (5-of-8). Clevenger's fifth triple of the night pulled the Tigers within one, but Southwestern closed out the game at the free-throw line, sinking all six attempts in the final 36 seconds to hold off the comeback.

Southwestern (2–1) was led by senior Macey Pond, who tallied 25 points and eight rebounds, including a perfect 6-for-6 from the line in the closing minute. Martha De La Rosa added 13 points, and Kennedy Ford contributed 11 points and eight rebounds.

Central finished 11-of-28 from three-point range (39.3%) and forced 18 turnovers, outscoring Southwestern 26–16 in the final quarter.

The Tigers (2–2), will look to build on their late-game momentum as they hit the road to battle the Thunder of Manhattan Christian College (0-3) Tuesday Night at 5pm.  The game can also be seen on the Manhattan Christian College - YouTube