Menlo News January 25, 2023

Girls’ basketball loses heartbreaker

Knights climb back to within 2 with seconds left
Menlo sophomore Karen Xin delivers a layup in the first half against Crystal.

1.24.2023 –The Menlo girls’ basketball team climbed back from an early-game deficit, but fell in the last seconds 42-40 to undefeated Crystal at home Tuesday.
Ruiqi Liu looks for an outlet against Crystal Ruiqi Liu looks for an outlet against Crystal
Credit: P.McKenney
The Knights (8-7 overall, 1-3 league) trailed by eight entering the fourth quarter. Summer Young caused a turnover; Ruiqi Liu got the steal and sank two free throws and Menlo trailed 36-30 with 4 minutes left. Karen Xin converted on a three-point play, and Menlo was down by three with 3:48 left. Crystal would get a three on the other end, then Liu countered with a three-pointer of her own. Riley Jensen got the steal on the inbounds and Knights trailed 39-36 with 1:47 and the ball left.
The Gryphons would get a clutch basket but Young added one and Menlo was down 42-38 with 1:11 left. Xin sank two more free throws, but Crystal held off Menlo in the waning seconds.
Liu finished with 17 points to pace the Knights and Xin had 10 for Menlo. Hannah Satuito had a standout day on defense.


Photo: Karen Xin delivers a layup against Crystal on Tuesday