CLINTON, Iowa — How important is it to make foul shots, especially late in the game? Ask Peregrine freshman guard Meme Harris. Harris hit a pair of free throws with 17 seconds to play giving her squad a comfortable 77-71 lead.

But Ashford University scored the next five points, including a 3-pointer at the buzzer giving PUC a slim 77-76 win in the second day of action at the Ashford Tourney. The win earned the Peregrines (2-6) a split on the weekend and ended a six-game losing streak.

Harris (Merrillville) was perfect from the foul line during the contest and finished with 15 points, second best for her team. Harris also had six assists and a pair of steals in the win.

Seconds after Harris hit the game-winning free throw she was whistled for a foul sending Ashford University’s Lauren Fairbert to the line. Fairbert hit a pair cutting the lead to 77-73. Fairbert then stole the ball on PUC’s next possession. After a Saints miss and offensive rebound, Kayla Crist drilled a 3-pointer as time expired.

Senior co-captain Linsey Smith (Lake Central) led the Peregrines with 21 points, her season high, which included four 3-pointers. She led the Peregrines with five of the team’s 13 steals.

Freshman guard Jenny Britton (Lake Central) connected on three 3-point baskets and finished with 13 points and three steals. Junior forward LaKesiha Hurst (Dover, Del.) just missed registering a double-double scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds. She also had two shot blocks. Senior co-captain Shannon Dugan (Mother McAuley) finished as the Peregrines leading rebounder with 10 and had three assists.

The Peregrines trailed 36-32 at the half, but improved their offensive punch hitting 55 percent from the field in the second 20 minutes, including 50 percent from the 3-point stripe, and were perfect (8-of-8) at the charity stripe.

The next home game for the Peregrines is Friday at 6 p.m. versus Goshen College, Ind. The game is sponsored by the PUC Counseling Center with the theme “Get a Checkup From the Neck Up.” Stress busters will be given to the first 100 fans.