CORAPOLIS, Pa. (Interstat) — In a game defined by a staggering reversal of momentum and a career-defining performance, the Robert Morris Colonials survived a furious second-half rally by the Milwaukee Panthers to secure a 71-64 overtime victory in a Horizon League women’s basketball contest Saturday at the Charles L. Sewall Center.

The Colonials, who led by as many as 17 points in the first half, saw that commanding advantage evaporate completely in the final minutes of regulation before regrouping to dominate the extra period in front of 578 fans.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded not in overtime, but in the final 33 seconds of the fourth quarter with the score tied. Robert Morris, holding for a final shot, saw Eva Levingston miss a layup. Bailey Kuhns grabbed the offensive rebound but missed her putback attempt. Aislin Malcolm then missed a three-pointer, giving Milwaukee possession with 24 seconds left and a chance to win.

The Panthers, however, could not get a clean look. Grace Lomen’s contested jump shot missed as time expired, sending the game to an extra session knotted at 57-57. That defensive stand, preserving the tie after Milwaukee had erased a 23-8 first-quarter deficit, proved to be the Colonials’ salvation.

Robert Morris (16-8, 8-5 Horizon) seized control of overtime immediately, scoring the first six points. Levingston opened the scoring with a layup, Kuhns hit a jumper, and Levingston added another basket to establish a 63-57 lead Milwaukee could not overcome. The Colonials outscored the Panthers 14-7 in the period, making 5 of 6 free throws to seal the win.

The game’s narrative was split into two distinct acts. The first was a dominant Robert Morris opening quarter, where they blitzed Milwaukee with a 23-8 run fueled by defensive pressure and efficient shooting. The second act was the methodical, grinding comeback by the Panthers, spearheaded by the spectacular shooting of Grace Lomen.

Lomen, a sophomore from East Troy, Wisconsin, scored a career-high 30 points for Milwaukee (8-18, 5-8), including 18 in the second half and overtime. She shot 9 of 24 from the field and hit five three-pointers, almost single-handedly willing her team back into the game. Her three-pointer with 54 seconds left in regulation tied the score at 57, capping the comeback.

But the Colonials had the final answer, led by a complete performance from guard Jada Lee. The Pittsburgh native recorded a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, adding four assists and a game-high four steals. Her defensive activity was pivotal, as Robert Morris converted 17 points off 13 Milwaukee turnovers.

Eva Levingston of Oakland, California, led Robert Morris with 19 points and seven rebounds. Aislin Malcolm contributed 18 points and five assists, while Bailey Kuhns added 14 points and eight rebounds.

For Milwaukee, Jorey Buwalda grabbed nine rebounds and Cece McNair blocked four shots, but the Panthers were ultimately undone by their slow start and the Colonials’ composure in overtime.

Statistically, the teams were closely matched. Robert Morris shot 37.9% from the field to Milwaukee’s 37.7%. The Colonials held a slight edge at the free-throw line, making 14 of 16 attempts compared to Milwaukee’s 9 of 10. The key differentials came in points off turnovers (17-10 in favor of Robert Morris) and points in the paint (30-22).

The victory completed a regular-season sweep for Robert Morris, which defeated Milwaukee 62-52 on Jan. 2. The Colonials have now won four of their last five games. Milwaukee has lost two straight and six of its last seven.

Robert Morris travels to face Youngstown State on Wednesday. Milwaukee hosts Northern Kentucky on Thursday.