DARLINGTON — Darlington (6-1) lost a 43-41 nailbiter to Belmont (4-3) on Monday, Dec 11.

“Darlington is a very solid team, and is well coached,” Belmont head coach Kaleen McGettigan said. “It was a gritty win and a battle throughout.”

Multiple times in Monday’s showdown, the Redbirds held leads of five or more points, but the Braves didn’t waiver. 

Belmont matched Darlington’s offensive power when it needed to, including an 8-2 run near the end of the first half that set the Braves up with a slim, 21-17, deficit going into the break.

With just over 2:30 left to play, the Redbirds had a 39-32 advantage, but Belmont held on.

Lainey Riechers sunk a 3-point shot with 2:29 on the clock.

After a steal and a foul, Reichers made both free throws to begin the Braves’ comeback. 

Morgan Freeman’s putback gave the Braves a 40-39 lead with 1:11 left to play, and on Belmont’s next trip down the court, Reese Runde split a pair of free throws to make it 41-39. 

Darlington’s Sadie Goebel tied the game at 41 with 32.5 seconds left on a pair of free throws.

Belmont regained the lead on a layup from Freeman with 17.2 seconds left on the clock. 

A full-court press from the Braves meant Darlington took just over nine seconds off the clock, and the Redbirds called a timeout to regroup. 

Jaidyn Evenstad drove along the elbow for the layup but missed, and Belmont rebounded as time expired.

Maddie Gratz led Darlington with 11 points. Aubrey McCarthy tallied nine points and a team-best 11 rebounds.