GLADSTONE — Alaina Kowalski hit a shot late in regulation and then knocked down two free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining to lift Kingsford to a 43-41 victory over Gladstone in a Great Northern Conference tussle Tuesday at Gladstone High School.

Kowalski’s heroics helped end the Flivvers’ four-game losing streak and gave her team its second two-point win over the Braves (6-15) this season.

“It was a good competitive game,” Kingsford coach Jon Lorenzoni said. “I thought we played real well at times. (But) it seemed like we had control and then Gladstone would narrow the gap.”

The Flivvers grabbed a 15-12 edge after the opening eight minutes and stretched that to a 27-19 lead at the break. The Braves closed to within 33-29 after three quarters, setting up a closely contested fourth quarter.

Tia Schone, who did not play for Gladstone in the first matchup, scored 22 points to lead the Braves. She hit five triples, including one with 1:40 remaining and another shortly after to put her team up one after freshman guard Lillian Johnson recorded a steal and a layup.

But then Kowalski took over, scoring four of her 19 points down the stretch to pull out the win for Kingsford.

Laura Bracket added 12 points for the Flivvers.

“Laura Bracket made some nice plays,” Lorenzoni said. “Elaina Bortolini had some big offensive rebounds to keep possessions alive.

“We played good team defense,” Lorenzoni continued. “I thought Anna Bortolini did a great job on their point guard Lillian Johnson.”

The Flivvers closed out their regular season at 9-11. They will host Division 1-3 fifth-ranked Houghton (16-5) in a Division 2 District 33 semifinal game on Wednesday, March 1. Division 1-3 second-ranked Escanaba (18-2) will travel to Cheboygan (5-16) in the other semi with the final slated for Friday, March 3.