HIGH POINT, N.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by grit, offensive rebounds, and a dramatic final-minute comeback, the Longwood Lancers avenged an earlier loss by edging the High Point Panthers 75-73 in overtime in a pivotal Big South Conference women’s basketball clash Wednesday night at Qubein Arena.

The victory, secured before an announced crowd of 1,150, improved Longwood to 18-6 overall and handed the first-place Panthers just their fourth loss of the season against 21 wins. The game was a statistical oddity, with both teams finishing with identical offensive ratings of 86.3 points per 100 possessions, underscoring a contest where every possession carried immense weight.

High Point, which had defeated Longwood by 14 points just three weeks prior, appeared poised for a comfortable win for much of the night. Led by a stellar performance from sophomore guard Aaliyah Collins of Snohomish, Washington, who finished with a game-high 24 points, six assists and two blocks, the Panthers built a 13-point lead late in the third quarter. Collins’ playmaking and the Panthers’ sharp three-point shooting — they finished 11 of 26 from beyond the arc compared to Longwood’s 5 of 21 — provided the foundation for their advantage.

Longwood, however, refused to relent. The Lancers’ path to victory was paved on the offensive glass, where they secured a dominant 18 rebounds leading to 19 second-chance points, doubling High Point’s output in that category. This relentless pursuit of extra opportunities kept Longwood within striking distance despite inefficient shooting nights from the field.

The most important sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute of regulation. Trailing 63-61, Longwood’s defense forced a critical turnover by High Point’s Anna Hager, which was stolen by Jesstynie Scott with 51 seconds remaining. The ensuing possession ended with Frances Ulysse of Montreal, Canada, grabbing her own miss and converting a putback layup to tie the game with six seconds left. Hager’s potential game-winning turnaround jumper at the buzzer missed, sending the game to an extra period.

In overtime, the teams traded blows. High Point’s Hager, who finished with 16 points, hit a three-pointer to give the Panthers a 68-65 lead. Longwood responded with a three from Malea Brown of Putnam Hall, Florida, who scored 13 points. Macy Spencer of Katy, Texas, answered with a three of her own to put High Point ahead 73-70 with 1:50 to play.

The Lancers closed the game on a 5-0 run, all from the free-throw line, capitalizing on High Point fouls and turnovers. Jasmine Peaks of Palm Bay, Florida, who scored 12 points, sank two clutch free throws with four seconds remaining to provide the final margin. High Point’s last chance ended with an offensive foul called on Collins with two-tenths of a second left, sealing Longwood’s comeback.

Ulysse was instrumental for Longwood with 16 points and relentless work inside, while Otaifo Esenabhalu of Valdosta, Georgia, added 11 points and a key presence in the paint. For High Point, Chana Paxixe of Beira, Mozambique, supported Collins with 15 points.

The game was a defensive struggle marked by turnovers, with Longwood committing 22 and High Point 20. Longwood’s ability to score 40 points in the paint and convert 18 of 23 free throws ultimately offset High Point’s perimeter advantage. The Lancers also recorded 14 steals, led by Scott’s defensive activity.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, High Point entered the game with a 79 percent probability to win. Longwood’s victory shakes up the conference standings and provides significant momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch. Longwood next travels to face Winthrop on Saturday, while High Point will host Charleston Southern the same day.