CLARENDON, Texas (Interstat) — In a tightly contested women’s junior college basketball game defined by defensive pressure and critical late-game execution, the Clarendon Bulldogs edged the Three Rivers Raiders 61-57 on Friday, March 27, 2026.

The game, a battle between two of the nation’s top programs, saw Clarendon improve its season record to 27-2, while Three Rivers fell to 25-6.

The contest was a defensive struggle from the outset, with both teams forcing turnovers and contesting shots fiercely. Three Rivers established an early lead, closing the first quarter ahead 15-12 behind the scoring of Samyah Jordan and Da’Naya Ross. The Raiders maintained a narrow advantage through a low-scoring second quarter, taking a 26-25 lead into halftime after Clarendon’s Armanda Sindalawa sank two free throws just before the buzzer.

The third quarter proved pivotal as Clarendon began to find its offensive rhythm. The Bulldogs opened the period with an 8-0 run, fueled by a 3-pointer from Valentina Chinhama and another from Nuria Mucongo, to seize a 33-26 lead. Three Rivers responded with resilience, chipping away at the deficit primarily from the free-throw line. The Raiders clawed back to tie the game at 43-43 by the end of the quarter, capitalizing on a series of Clarendon turnovers and converting eight consecutive free throws in the final 38 seconds.

The fourth quarter featured six lead changes as the tension mounted. With the score knotted at 57-57 in the final minute, Clarendon’s defense and composure at the line decided the outcome. After a Three Rivers turnover, the Bulldogs’ Eugenia Ngungo was fouled and made the first of two free throws with 40 seconds remaining to give Clarendon a 58-57 lead. Following another Raiders turnover, Chinhama was fouled and calmly sank both free throws with eight seconds left, extending the lead to 60-57. After a missed 3-point attempt by Three Rivers, Sindalawa added a final free throw to seal the four-point victory.

The most important part of the game was the final 40-second sequence, where Clarendon’s defensive pressure forced two crucial Three Rivers turnovers, and its players went a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line to transform a tie game into a two-possession victory.

Clarendon was led by a standout all-around performance from Armanda Sindalawa, who posted 15 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Zainab Olalekan added 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Valentina Chinhama led all scorers with 18 points, including the decisive free throws.

Three Rivers was paced by Da’Naya Ross with 16 points and Samyah Jordan with 15 points, 4 assists and 4 steals. Amelia Corasaniti contributed 13 points for the Raiders.

Both teams showcased why they are among the elite in junior college basketball, with the game ultimately hinging on Clarendon’s ability to execute in the closing moments under pressure.