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Aboagye’s last-second heroics lift Panthers to semifinals in thrilling 75-73 win over UNB

There was a collective sigh of relief among UPEI Panthers fans as Deborah Aboagye scored the game-winning basket with just 0.9 seconds remaining, lifting the Panthers to a thrilling 75-73 victory over the UNB Reds and securing their spot in the semifinals.

Aboagye’s last-second heroics lift Panthers to semifinals in thrilling 75-73 win over UNB
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February 28, 2025

By Thomas Becker

There was a collective sigh of relief among UPEI Panthers fans as Deborah Aboagye scored the game-winning basket with just 0.9 seconds remaining, lifting the Panthers to a thrilling 75-73 victory over the UNB Reds and securing their spot in the semifinals.

The game appeared destined for overtime when Ann Bastien drained a clutch three-pointer to tie it at 73 apiece in the final moments. With 20 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, Bastien was UNB's top performer, willing her team back into contention. 

But with 4.3 seconds on the clock, UPEI had one last chance. Lauren Rainford inbounded the ball to Abby Miller, who delivered a precise bounce pass to a wide-open Aboagye for an easy layup, sealing the dramatic win for the Panthers.

Rainford was instrumental for UPEI, putting up a game-high 26 points while adding eight rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Her leadership and scoring prowess provided the spark the Panthers needed in critical moments. 

Devon Lawlor was sensational down the stretch and played a major role in positioning the Panthers for the win. Trailing by five with 4:50 remaining, Lawlor ignited a personal 10-0 run. She first knocked down an open three-pointer off a screen, then intercepted a pass for a breakaway layup, and followed it up with another deep three to push UPEI ahead 69-66. She finished with 17 points in an all-star-worthy performance that showcased her clutch shooting ability.

"UNB took us out of our offence for a bit, but we regrouped, stayed composed, and ran our offence which created some good looks," Lawlor said. "We're in a great spot heading into tomorrow's game and we're ready for the challenge."

UPEI came out firing, opening the game on a 6-2 run with four early points from Miller. That momentum continued as Miller, Rainfor, and Lawlor each contributed four points, extending the lead to 12-2. Miller then found Grace Lancaster cutting to the basket for an easy layup, putting the Panthers up 19-9. The Reds responded with back-to-back three-pointers from Lillian Fuller, but UPEI still held a 25-17 advantage after the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the Panthers extend their lead further. Rainford and Lily Vrugteman each knocked down a three-pointer to push the margin to 31-17. However, UNB responded with a 12-7 run led by Katie Butts and Addie Mombourquette, cutting the deficit to 38-29. By halftime, UPEI maintained a 44-32 lead, with Rainford pacing all scorers with 18 points. 

UNB mounted a fierce third-quarter comeback, erasing UPEI's double-digit lead. Bastien took control, scoring seven straight points to trim the deficit to 50-45. Meanwhile, Butts anchored the Reds' defence, swatting three of her seven total blocks in the frame while adding to her 14-point, 14-rebound performance. In the final minute, Bastien sank two free throws to give UNB its first lead of the game. However, UPEI steadied itself, and by the end of the quarter, the teams were locked in a tense 55-55 deadlock, setting up a dramatic final frame.

Momentum swung back and forth in the fourth, but in the end, it was the Panthers who found a way to prevail, with Aboagye's last-second heroics punching their ticket to the semifinals.

Next up, the Panthers will take on the Acadia Axewomen Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. The two teams split their four regular-season matchups, setting the stage for an exciting showdown.