By Jacob Thompson

Austin Community College Women’s Basketball team secured a clutch 45-44 win over Northeast Lakeview College on Wednesday, Feb. 27th, 2026. After a tough loss last week, the Riverbats looked to bounce back for their third game of the season against the competitive Nighthawks.

Though the Nighthawks featured several athletic players, the Riverbats relied on playmaking and passing to create free layups. Zoey Miller (12) and Felicity Tsai (14) dominated the first half of the game. Steals by Miller turned into fast break points for Tsai. When the Nighthawks lost defense, Miller’s backdoor cuts turned into layups, giving the Riverbats a 16-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Kaylina Rodriguez (10) played aggressive defense, forcing a jump ball 30 seconds into the second quarter, which set the Riverbats’ pace for the rest of the first half. With no signs of fatigue, the Riverbats maintained their fast-paced approach, with Miller scoring multiple fast break points, including a 3-pointer, giving ACC a 26-21 lead at halftime.

The Nighthawks started the second half with high power. Miller started the third quarter off with a quick and wide-open 3-pointer, but the Nighthawks increased its defensive pressure, forcing the Riverbats to work for every point. Midway through the quarter, the Nighthawks tied the game 29-29 and later had their first lead in the final four minutes of the third quarter. After many unanswered points from the Riverbats, Veda Larson (5) responded late in the quarter with a full-court layup, but the Nighthawks carried the third quarter with a 33-31 lead.

The Riverbats scored the first three points of the fourth with a layup and a free throw. Both teams went shot-for-shot, steal-for-steal. Midway through the fourth, the Riverbats regained the lead 40-39. Although the Riverbats got their lead back, the Nighthawks did not falter. The score was tied 43-43, the fatigue finally setting in for both teams, but the Nighthawks came a long way; giving it their all was their only option. After a foul on the Riverbats, the Nighthawks were able to get a 44-43 lead after a made free throw. With 20 seconds remaining, Miller drove to the basket, drew a foul, and made both free throws to give the Riverbats a 45-44 lead.

With 15 seconds left, the Nighthawks inbounded the ball looking for a final shot, but the Riverbats applied on-ball defence and forced a turnover to seal the 45-44 victory.

The Riverbats return to action next week at home against Trinity University.