White’s Buzzer-Beater Lifts Hurricanes to Thrilling 81–80 Win Over Cleveland
LOUISBURG, N.C. — In front of a packed Roger Taylor Arena on Play4Kay Day, the No. 18 Louisburg College Women's Basketball team delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the season, as Khouri White buried a game-winning three-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining to lift the Hurricanes to an 81–80 victory over Cleveland Community College.
The win completed the season split with the Yetis and kept Louisburg firmly in the Region 10 title race.
After trailing 45–38 at halftime and facing a seven-point deficit early in the third quarter, the Hurricanes methodically fought back behind dominant interior play and timely perimeter shooting.
Sophomore forward Nyla Powell was once again the anchor for Louisburg, finishing with 25 points and a massive 20 rebounds, along with multiple momentum-shifting blocks in the paint. Powell controlled the glass on both ends and kept the Hurricanes within striking distance throughout the afternoon.
White provided the fireworks. The sophomore guard knocked down six three-pointers and finished with 19 points, none bigger than the final shot. With the Hurricanes trailing 80–78 and the Yetis unable to convert on their final possession, Louisburg pushed the ball up the floor. White caught the pass on the right wing, rose over a defender, and calmly buried the three to send the crowd into a frenzy.
The Hurricanes received key contributions across the roster.
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Quincie Toran scored 13 points and hit a crucial three late in the fourth quarter.
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Kyleigh Goode gave strong minutes off the bench with 10 points and multiple blocks in the paint.
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Ziahmiya Adams battled through foul trouble and added key free throws in the closing stretch.
Cleveland's backcourt created problems early, but Louisburg tightened defensively in the second half. The Hurricanes outscored the Yetis 21–10 in the third quarter to erase the halftime deficit and then matched Cleveland shot for shot in a back-and-forth fourth period that featured multiple lead changes.
With the game on the line, it was fitting that Louisburg's defense came through one final time. Powell's late block preserved possession and set up White's game-winning moment.
The victory improves Louisburg to 18–3 overall and keeps the Hurricanes unbeaten at home this season.
Up Next:
Louisburg is back home Monday for a Region 10 matchup vs Cape Fear Community College on 5:00 p.m., as the Hurricanes look to carry momentum into the final stretch of the regular season.