LaFAYETTE — Tensions ran high in the first varsity home game played in Scott T. Langley Gym this season as the Chambers Academy girls basketball team defeated Evangel 55-53 in overtime.

The match up came down to three Lizzie Keebler free throws with 0.1 seconds remaining in the final frame.

After missing the first one, Keebler made the final pair, and the Rebels denied Evangel’s last attempt to make a Hail Mary pass as time expired. 

“I sure am glad they fouled her,” Chambers Academy girls basketball head coach Brandi Fuller said. “I knew she could make one out of three.”

Chambers Academy overcame a 20-point first quarter deficit, as the team tied the game at 32 for the first time in the second half with 1:30 to go in the third quarter. Evangel responded with a quick three-pointer and layup to push the lead to five. 

“It all just started off bad there, and I was just proud of how they came back,” Fuller said. 

Both Lizzie and Sheley Keebler set the trend for the Rebels beyond the arc in the second half. Brittany Stephens was also a key component in finishing the game down low for Chambers Academy, as she fought for rebounds and second-chance opportunities on the offensive side of the ball.

“[Stephens] is so stubborn and hard-headed, but if you can get her the ball in the paint, she’s going to do something with it,” Fuller said.

The win improved the Rebels record to 2-0 on the season, after claiming a victory in a Thanksgiving week classic at Springwood School. 

The Rebels return to action on Thursday night to host Eastwood before traveling to Lanett on Friday night to face rival-Springwood.