Sinking a clutch shot late in a game is always the dream that is played out in a young baller’s head while they practice in the driveway. For Washington’s Anna Nacos that dream became a reality on Tuesday, as her three-point field goal in the final minute lifted the Demons past Ottumwa 41-38 in front of a big home crowd.

Slow starts have been a common theme for Washington since the New Year, but the Demons put an end to that last night by keeping up with a red-hot shooting Ottumwa team and led 26-23 at intermission. The game slowed down in the third with both teams scoring four points apiece and Ottumwa took a lead halfway through the fourth. The rest of the game was money time for Nacos. The junior scored 13 of her game-high 19 points in the second half including the game winner with 30 seconds left. The Demons trailed 38-37 when Nacos weaved around defenders to have a look underneath the rim. Her shot was missed but the rebound pin-balled back her way behind the arc on the right wing and she calmly delivered a dagger to the Bulldog hearts. One final stop at the other end and free throws by Nacos gave the Demons a signature non-conference win. Head Coach Shannon Rugg tells KCII Sports his team just stuck with it. “You have to give the girls credit. We have been in a lot of close games and we have come out on top more so than not. They are competing and making plays. Anna did not hesitate at all on that shot and let that ball fly.” Washington improves to 9-5 on the season.

In the nightcap of the doubleheader the boys hung tough for a while, but the Bulldogs pulled away in the second half for a 71-48 win. Ottumwa led 28-24 at the break and Trashaun Willis helped the Demons stay close with eight first half points. In the final two quarters the Demons were dealt a heavy dose of Trae Swartz, as the 6’4’’ Bulldog junior was a load inside and finished with a game-high 30 points. The lead was stretched to 11 at the end of three and Washington was forced to foul where the Bulldogs put the game out of reach from the free throw line. Willis led Washington with 14 points and Trevor Quigley added 10. They are now 9-4 overall.

The girls are back on the hardwood Friday at Burlington while the boys host Fairfield in a makeup game this evening. Listen to the conference action on FM 106.1 KCII with tip starting at 7:45 p.m. The Demons defeated the now 2-9 Trojans 69-32 back in December.