Box Score

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Senior Jacqueline Johannes (Southbury, Conn.) registered a game-high 18 points as the Southern Connecticut State University women's basketball team knocked off Saint Michael's, 71-65, in overtime at Moore Field House on Tuesday night. Johannes' 15-foot jumper with 20 second left in regulation forced extra time, where the Owls outscored the Purple Knights 10-4 for the thrilling come-from-behind victory.

With the win, Southern improved to 9-6, 6-4 in conference play, while the Purple Knights dropped to 4-9, 2-8 in the league with the loss.

Senior guard Michelle Otey and the Purple Knights took control from the tip-off, and raced out to a 15-4 lead through the first six minutes of play. Saint Michael's defense forced Southern's offense to 17 first half turnovers, resulting in 14 points for the away team.

Despite the sluggish start, the Owls battled back behind the inside presence of junior forward LaTisha Hatcher (Detroit, Mich.) and Johannes. Hatcher dropped 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting, while Johannes netted six points and grabbed five rebounds en route to a 12-2 run to close out the half. The Owls trailed the Purple Knights, 30-27, at the break.

After the intermission, Saint Michael's held onto its small lead for the majority of the second half. However at the 6:16 mark, two free-throws from freshman Ashley O'Dell (Lincoln, R.I.) gave the Owls their first lead of the game at 54-53.

The two teams exchanged baskets down the stretch, until three free-throws gave the visiting Purple Knights a three point advantage with 1:10 remaining in regulation.

On the ensuing possession, O'Dell drew a foul and calmly knocked down two from the charity stripe, bringing the Owls to within one of Saint Michael's. After a Southern foul and one made free-throw from Alexis Keller, Southern had the ball with 40 seconds left in the game.

After a deflection out of bounce by the Purple Knights, the Owls had 20 seconds on the clock and the ball underneath the Saint Michael's basket. Johannes came around a screen at the free-throw line, collected a pass from O'Dell and buried a 15 footer to tie the game up at 61.

The Purple Knights failed to get a shot off in the waning seconds, forcing overtime for the two squads.

The teams traded buckets early on in the extra period, when Shelley Pierson (Watervliet, N.Y.) connected on two free-throws for a 67-65 lead. The Purple Knights were unsuccessful on their next possession, leading to two more free-throws for O'Dell. The Owls made another stop and knocked down more free-throws, putting the game out of reach for their seventh win at Moore Field House this season.

Johannes finished with 18 points going 7-of-12 from the floor, hauled in nine rebounds and had two steals for the Owls. Pierson recorded another double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Hatcher and O'Dell netted 13 and 11 points respectively. Senior Allyson Smith (East Hampton, Conn.) recorded eight points and five rebounds and Logan Lentz (Chambersburg, Pa.) scored eight points and dished out four assists in the victory.

The Owls return to action on Jan. 16 with an away game against No. 1 nationally ranked Franklin Pierce. Game time is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Fieldhouse in Rindge, N.H.