Blackburn Stuns MUW on Frey’s Last-Second Three

COLUMBUS, MS — The Blackburn women's basketball team battled through four hard-fought quarters to earn a 76–74 win over MUW, capped by a clutch final-second basket and a poised free throw to seal the game.

The Beavers' win was highlighted by freshman Elexus Frey, who drained a three-pointer at the buzzer. Frey also posted a career-high 20 points, along with six rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Other key contributors included juniors Eiz Allende Quinones and India Harris, along with senior Becca Benoit. Allende Quinones recorded a double-double with 19 points and co-led the team in rebounds with 10. Harris added 11 points, three rebounds, and three steals, while Benoit also finished with a double-double, tallying 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The opening quarter was a defensive grind, with Blackburn staying within striking distance despite early turnovers and MUW trips to the free-throw line. Benoit opened the scoring for Blackburn with a layup, while Harris provided an early spark on both ends, finishing the quarter with aggressive defense and timely points. Blackburn trailed 13–8 after one.

The Beavers found their rhythm in the second quarter, using offensive rebounds and transition opportunities to climb back into the game. Allende Quinones was dominant inside, scoring repeatedly in the paint and igniting a 13–8 run to tie the game midway through the quarter. Elexus Frey knocked down a pair of three-pointers late in the half, helping Blackburn take a 34–29 lead into the break.

The third quarter saw momentum swing back and forth as both teams traded baskets. Allende Quinones continued to attack offensively, while Harris and senior Gaby Solis created opportunities with steals and ball pressure. Despite multiple lead changes, Blackburn stayed composed and entered the final quarter trailing just 53–52.

The fourth quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle. Benoit provided a strong presence on the glass, earning second-chance points, while Elexus Frey came up big from beyond the arc to keep Blackburn within reach. With under a minute to play, Frey drilled a crucial three-pointer to cut the deficit to two.

In the final seconds, Solis drove and finished at the rim to tie the game at 72–72. After a quick response by MUW, Blackburn had one last chance—and capitalized. With one second remaining, Elexus Frey buried a clutch three-pointer off an assist from her sister, Kendaee Frey, to put Blackburn ahead 75–74. MUW fouled on the ensuing possession, and Harris calmly sank the final free throw to secure the 76–74 victory.

The Beavers will head to Batesville, Arkansas, this Saturday to take on the Lyon Scots, with tipoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m.