Bakari's Buzzer-Beater Lifts Wardens Over Lumberjacks in Instant Classic, 123-122

WASHINGTON D.C. – In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second, the Washington Wardens narrowly defeated the Portland Lumberjacks 123-122. A clutch shot by Aisha Bakari in the dying moments proved to be the difference, giving the Wardens a crucial home victory.

The contest was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip, with both teams showcasing offensive firepower. The Lumberjacks, led by a strong performance from Sita Devi and Florian Richter, held a slim lead for much of the second half. However, the Wardens refused to fold.

Aisha Bakari was the undisputed star for Washington, pouring in a game-high 31 points, including several critical three-pointers that kept her team within striking distance. Oscar Nielsen provided a vital presence in the paint, contributing 15 points and 9 rebounds. The Wardens’ ball movement was exceptional, as evidenced by their 30 assists on 42 made field goals, a testament to their unselfish play.

“We knew this was going to be a tough one,” said Wardens Head Coach Evelyn Reed. “Portland is a talented team, but our guys dug deep. Aisha was just sensational tonight, a true leader when we needed her most.”

The game’s final minutes were a nail-biter. With the score tied, Bakari rose to the occasion, draining a contested shot as the buzzer sounded to send the home crowd into a frenzy. “It feels amazing,” Bakari stated after the game. “We wanted this win so badly. My teammates set me up, and I just had to knock it down.”

While the Lumberjacks fought valiantly, with Devi finishing with 20 points and Richter adding 18, they couldn’t overcome the Wardens’ late surge.

Key Notes:

• Aisha Bakari led all scorers with 31 points.
• The Wardens dished out 30 assists on 42 made field goals.
• Oscar Nielsen grabbed a game-high 9 rebounds.
• The game featured multiple lead changes and no timeouts called by either team in the final two minutes.