UAlbany Women's Basketball Defeats Hartford, 55-48, in Overtime Thriller

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Megan Craig finished with a game-high 13 points, while Ebone Henry totaled six points, 12 rebounds, and six steals, leading UAlbany to a 55-48 overtime win over Hartford in America East Conference women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon at SEFCU Arena. The Great Danes improve to 14-3 overall, and 5-0 in league play, while Hartford falls to 12-7 and 3-3 in the conference.

The teams played a fairly even first half, with Hartford holding the biggest lead at the half at four points to start and end the stanza. The Hawks scored the first two baskets of the game, before UAlbany responded with back-to-back baskets by Julie Forster to tie the score for the first of four times. The teams exchanged the lead throughout the half, with the Great Danes holding their biggest advantage of three points, 16-13, on a layup by Shereesha Richards at 10:38.

The Great Danes tied the game for the final time of the half on a free throw by Forster at 3:26, and took the lead back on a trey by Margarita Rosario at 3:03 which put UAlbany ahead, 22-19. However, Hartford scored the final seven points of the half on back-to-back layups by Taylor Clark and a 3-pointer by Amber Bepko at the buzzer, to hold a 26-22 lead heading into the locker room.

The Hawks held onto their slight advantage to start the second half before UAlbany tied the game for the fifth time at 34-34 on a layup by Henry at 12:36. As in the first half, the two teams exchanged the lead with the biggest advantage coming on a 44-41 UAlbany lead on a Craig layup with 4:38 to go. Hartford would not go away, as Daphne Elliott nailed a 3-pointer at 1:55 to put the Hawks back up by one. Sarah Royals had a chance to seal the game up for UAlbany with two free throws with just 29 seconds on the clock, but only hit one, tying the score for the eighth time. Hartford's Katie Roth missed a long-range shot at the buzzer to send the game to overtime.

UAlbany completely controlled the extra period, outscoring Hartford 8-1. The Hawks had opportunities to score, but the Great Danes' relentless defense stifled any chance for Hartford to make a comeback. Lindsey Lowrie sealed up the victory for the Great Danes by nailing two free throws with 17 ticks remaining, keeping the slate unblemished for UAlbany in conference play.

UAlbany outrebounded Hartford, 43-35, but the Hawks held a slight shooting advantage. Hartford shot 36.0 percent (18-50) from the floor, while UAlbany managed just 35.3 percent (18-51) from the field, including a season-low one 3-pointer.

The Great Danes will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 23, heading out to Boston U. for a 7 p.m. tip off. The Terriers are the only other undefeated team in league play.