Denver, Colorado – A thriller may be an understatement in describing the final seconds of the Regis University Ranger women's basketball 77-76 victory over the Colorado Christian Cougars (10-12, 10-6 RMAC).  A last second effort by junior guard Caresse Williams (Citrus Heights, California) proved successful as she fought for the offensive rebound, collected herself, and put up the game-winning three for the win.

Both teams exchanged baskets throughout the first six minutes of play before the Cougars found some offensive momentum.  Colorado Christian began to pull away by quickening the pace of the game.  The Rangers fell behind by 14 halfway through the first half and the Cougars continued the pace and held a double-digit lead at halftime, 38-28.

Williams opened the scoring for Regis in the second half with a three to bring the lead back to single digits.  CCU always responded keeping the Rangers at a comfortable distance and slowly increasing their lead.  The Cougars led by as much as 21 at the 7:25 mark.  This would be the turning point for the Rangers as they held CCU scoreless for the next two minutes going on a 9-0 run. 

Finally, at the 2:45 mark, junior guard Bay'lee Purdy (Agate, Colorado) knocked down a three that seemed to electrify her teammates and the fieldhouse.  Junior guard Erica Von Stein (Trafalgar, Indiana) would make it back-to-back three's bringing the Rangers within six, 74-68.

RU's defense kept the Cougars from scoring any field goals in the last four minutes of play.  Von stein then hit another one from distance to come within one but Williams stole the show in the final minute.  She stepped to the line to knock down a free throw with eight seconds left.  Sophomore forward Kaycee Hert (Spokane, Washington) fought for the offensive rebound off Williams' missed second attempt and kicked it to Purdy.  Purdy would have a stab at the game-winning three but it was Williams that refused to give up until the final horn, retrieving Purdy's missed three and lifting the Rangers over the Cougars to improve to 13-7 overall and 9-7 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

The Rangers 49 second-half points outscored CCU by 11.  Williams led all scorers for her highest scoring total of the season with 29.  She went 10-14 from the field, 4-5 from distance, 5-7 from the charity stripe, and dished out six assists while only suffering two turnovers.  Although, Regis was outrebounded 41-33, they did hold the Cougars to shoot just 21 percent from distance. 

Regis is back on their home court Saturday, February 7 at 3 p.m. against Colorado Mines (11-11, 6-10 RMAC).