Photo by Whitman Athletics/file photo – Kaylie McCracken

(UPDATED on Saturday night, with the Blues winning again.)

Former Arcata High standout Kaylie McCracken helped the Whitman Blues women’s basketball team to a thrilling overtime win in their NCAA Division-III tournament opener on Friday night. 

The Blues won 86-83 against Wheaton College out of Illinois.

McCracken was 5-for-7 from the floor, scoring 17 points and pulling down a game-high eight rebounds, including several late in the game and in overtime to help key the win.

On Saturday night the Blues won again, advancing to the Sweet 16 with a 67-63 comeback win over Wartburg.

And McCracken again played a key role, finishing with a double-double, scoring 10 points and pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds.

Whitman is the No. 10 team in the nation, and Wartburg was No. 5 and playing at home.