Jenkins' Heroics Seal Thriller: Monarchs Edge Drifters 111-109 on Buzzer-Beater Triple
Mia Jenkins Delivers Game-Winner as Monarchs Survive Drifters' Comeback
MONTREAL – In a heart-stopping exhibition of offensive firepower and dramatic swings, the Montreal Monarchs outlasted the Dallas Drifters 111-109 in a February 2026 season clash that went down to the wire. Mia Jenkins emerged as the undisputed hero, sinking a clutch three-pointer as time expired to lift the Monarchs to a crucial home victory.
The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. The Monarchs, fueled by an electric home crowd, established an early lead thanks to sharp shooting from Jenkins and Darya Petrenko. However, the Drifters, a team known for their resilience, clawed their way back, dominating the boards with Sanjay Patel leading the charge on the glass and chipping away at the deficit with timely buckets from Zoe Zhang and Chloe Sterling.
The third quarter saw Dallas mount a significant run, with Rhys Brennan and Aleksandr Lebedev connecting on key triples to tie the game. The momentum shifted dramatically, and for much of the final period, neither team could establish more than a four-point lead. Defensive plays became paramount, with Drifters’ Patel swatting away shots and Monarchs’ Clara Rodriguez and Jenkins making crucial defensive stops.
With seconds remaining and the score knotted at 108, the Drifters’ Sterling managed to force a turnover, leading to a quick layup that put Dallas up 109-108. But the drama was far from over. The Monarchs inbounded the ball to Jenkins, who, with a defender draped all over her, rose up and drained a rainbow three-pointer as the buzzer sounded, sending the arena into a frenzy.
“We never stopped believing,” said Jenkins, who finished with a game-high 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. “Coach drew up a great play, and I just let it fly. This win means everything to us.”
Monarchs head coach Anya Hayes lauded her team’s grit. “Dallas gave us everything they had. We bent but we didn’t break. Mia was phenomenal, as she has been all season, but this was a total team effort.”
Key Notes:
- Mia Jenkins poured in 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists for the Monarchs.
- Dallas dominated the glass, outrebounding Montreal 60-47, led by Sanjay Patel’s 13 boards.
- Both teams showcased strong ball movement, with Montreal logging 28 assists to 10 turnovers.
- The game featured 10 lead changes and 5 ties in the second half.
- Montreal’s 19 three-pointers were a critical factor in their victory.