With only seven seconds remaining, the Wolverines called Jensen’s number to help lift them to victory over University of Texas Pan-American by one, 51-50.
“I was really happy with the way the girls responded to a deficit late in the game,” said Head Coach Cathy Nixon. “We fought back and found ways to battle back despite a lot of things not going in our favor. We had a real steady belief that we were going to win and I’m just excited for Sammie being able to make the play at the end.”
There were five different lead changes in the final minute, the last of which was Jensen’s game-winning bucket. It was the finishing touch to another great game. She finished with 21 points and 21 rebounds. She was happy that this game ended differently then the one last year in Edinburg.
“I remember last year and how it ended up in an offensive charge,” Jensen said. “So I knew exactly what they wanted. I tried to avoid people and get to the rim.”
With the second win of the year over the Broncs, all the Wolverines must do now is beat Houston Baptist at home and Chicago State on the road, something that will be difficult considering the Wolverines lack of success on the road this year. Although they struggled early in the season, they have found ways to win two of their last four road games.
“I think we are just use to how the entire process goes,” Jensen said. “Now we know what we have to get done and how to be focused.”
One of the many challenges UVU faces on the road is inconsistent officiating.
“They say players get home court but I don’t think we get home court here,” Jensen said. “Refs are just different in different states. California is more physical than here. When you go to California you just gotta know that the game is going to be more physical and they are not going to call anything.”
The Wolverines seem to have adjusted, and they are three wins away from finishing at .500 on the season.
Three more wins would also mean that the great career Jensen has had would continue.
“I know that it’s almost over.” Jensen said. “I’m just gonna keep doing what I’m doing, and when it’s over it’s over.”
The Wolverines play Chicago State, Cal State Bakersfied and Houston Baptist to finish the season. They have a 2-1 record versus those teams, with the loss coming on the road to Bakersfield. The final home game for the Wolverines is March 2 against Houston Baptist.
