Box Score

ORANGEBURGH, N.Y. – Moni Smith-Ocran (Bronx, N.Y.) converted a layup with 1:33 remaining in the second half to lift the Southern Connecticut State University women's basketball team past Dominican, 59-57, in a non-conference game Monday afternoon.

Dominican (6-5) held a 53-50 lead with 5:27 left in the game, but could not hold off the Owls (4-5) as they finished the game on a 9-4 run. Danielle Powell (Pine Bush, N.Y.) would hit a jumper to give Southern a 56-55 lead with 2:27 remaining. The Chargers would retake the lead a moment later when Bianca Harris answered with a layup of her own on the other end. Smith-Ocran would then receive a pass from Camille Fantini (Andover, Mass.) and hit a layup to give the Owls a 58-57 lead with under 2 minutes to go.

After a turnover by the Chargers and a few missed opportunities, Mariah Hankton (Upper Marlboro, Md.) would be intentionally fouled with less than 10 seconds to go. She would convert one of two free throws and it would prove to be just enough for the Owls.

Freshman Jackie Beathea (Annadale, Va.) led the Owls with 16 points and eight rebounds. Fantini contributed 12 points, including 10 in the second half to go along with three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Smith-Ocran would finish with seven points and seven boards.

The Owls improve to 4-5 on the season and will be back in action Saturday as they face St. Rose in a road contest at 1:30 p.m.