The Saint Elizabeth University women's basketball team lost a heartbreaker against reigning conference champion Notre Dame of Maryland University. The Gators overcame a late deficit to rally back and defeat Saint Elizabeth University in overtime by a score of 73-66. The Eagles drop to 5-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play. The Gators improve to 3-4 on the season overall and 2-0 in conference play.
The Eagles offense started out fast and was able to race out to an early 9-2 lead four minutes into the game. NDMU's offense was able to come back with back-to-back layups, tying the game at nine. It was a back and forth 1st quarter that saw Saint Elizabeth take a 2 point lead into the second. The second quarter was a struggle for SEU as the Gators outscored the Eagles 18-7. A pull-up jumper by Destiny Battle with 29 seconds left cut the Gator lead to 9 points at halftime.
The Eagles looked to climb back into the game in the third quarter, with Saint Elizabeth scoring the first six points of the half. Saint Elizabeth continued to fight back with their smothering defense, capitalizing on several turnovers to tie the game at 37 with just over 2:00 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Saint Elizabeth closed out the third quarter on a run to lead 44-39 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Gators tried to battle back in the game with scoring in the post and knocking down a 3-pointer, but the Eagles answered right back each time. Trailing 59-50 with just over two minutes remaining in the game, the Gators made one final push. After a layup by the Eagles, the Gators scored another 3-pointer to bring NDMU within one possession. A late technical foul by the Eagles gave the Gators a chance to get back in the game. NDMU would get a stop on the Eagles final possession of regulation, and got one final look in the closing seconds, but did not get the shot off in time, sending the game to overtime.
NDMU struck first in overtime converting two free throws. The Eagles came down and converted 1 of 2 free throws after a foul. During the next possession, the Gators drew a foul on a 3-point attempt, hitting three huge free throws to put NDMU ahead by four. After an Eagles basket, the Gators scored four-straight points to give the Gators a 70-64 lead. One final Gator layup put the game away, to secure the 73-64 decision.
Destiny Battle was the leading scorer for the Eagles with 21 points while adding 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals. Ahjionae Cobb set a new career-high with 12 points on 6 for 10 shooting. Yasminah White chipped in with 9 points while Aryanna Baytops and Nacheca Joseph contributed 8 points each.
The Eagles next game will see them take on the Falcons of Cedar Crest College on Tuesday December 5th at home. Last season, Saint Elizabeth swept Cedar Crest College winning both games.
