Pressure breaks pipes, but it also forms diamonds.

On Tuesday night at Keota, Iowa Mennonite senior Suzanna Yoder shined brightly in a big spot, hitting three free throws with no time remaining to give IMS a 49-48 win over the Eagles. Keota had control in the first four minutes, building a five point lead behind Addison Sprouse at the free throw line. IMS changed up defensively and wrestled the lead away, building their own advantage to as many as eight before leading 32-28 at half. IMS also got it done from beyond the arc in the first half, hitting seven three point goals. The third quarter followed the same script with IMS holding a 39-34 lead going to the fourth.

In the final period the Eagles mounted a comeback behind big shots from Sprouse, Addison Swanson and Brianna Duwa to take a 48-46 lead with under six seconds to go. IMS had time to draw up one play. Yoder got the ball off the in bound and was fouled as time expired shooting a three pointer. Yoder calmly stepped to the line and drilled all three shots to give IMS the one point win. She talked after the game about the free throws. “If I don’t make these it’s going to be really embarrassing. I can always tell when my free throws are going to go in. The last one felt short. I just know I needed to get the first two in so I wouldn’t be nervous for the last one. I was so happy we didn’t have to play another quarter. It’s nice to see everyone so excited.”

Yoder was mobbed by her teammates after the final shot went through the net. She ended with a game high 24 points. Yani Gutierrez put together a double double for IMS with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Addison Sprouse led Keota with 17 points. IMS improved to 1-1 on the year, Keota falls to 0-2. Both teams now enter Thanksgiving break.