WASHINGTON (Interstat) — In a back-and-forth season opener that came down to the final possession, the American Eagles edged the Delaware State Hornets 66-63 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Bender Arena.

The Eagles, opening their season with a victory, survived a frantic final sequence to secure the win. After American’s Anna Rescifina made a free throw with six seconds remaining to extend the lead to three, Delaware State had one last chance. Nykesha Sanders inbounded the ball to Aniyah Jones, who connected on a 3-pointer with three seconds left, pulling the Hornets into a 66-66 tie.

However, American immediately called a timeout, and upon review, officials determined Jones’s foot was on the line, reducing the basket to a 2-pointer and giving American a 66-65 lead. The Eagles then successfully inbounded the ball and ran out the remaining time.

The game was a tale of contrasting styles. Delaware State dominated inside, scoring 46 points in the paint compared to American’s 22. But the Eagles found their success from the perimeter, hitting 9 of 26 from 3-point range while the Hornets managed just 3 of 11. American’s advantage at the free-throw line also proved critical, as they made 13 attempts to Delaware State’s 6, despite shooting just 54 percent.

Both teams struggled with offensive efficiency in a game where possessions were equal. Delaware State scored 63 points on 73 possessions for an offensive rating of 86.2, while American posted a 89.9 rating with their 66 points.

Mahogany Cottingham led all scorers for Delaware State with 18 points, adding two assists and a block in 38 minutes. Molly Driscoll matched that output for American, also scoring 18 points in 39 minutes of action.

The contest featured 10 lead changes and was tightly contested throughout. American held a narrow 31-30 lead at halftime, but a strong 21-point third quarter from Delaware State gave the Hornets a 51-48 advantage heading into the final period. The Eagles outscored the Hornets 18-11 in the fourth quarter to clinch the victory.

Key contributors for the Eagles included Charlotte Tuhy, who filled the stat sheet with 13 points and four assists, and Rescifina, who also scored 13 points. For the Hornets, Jones provided a spark off the bench with 13 points in just 11 minutes, and Amya Scott added 12 points.

With the loss, Delaware State’s record moves to 1-1. American begins its season 1-0. An announced crowd of 537 attended the game at Bender Arena.