HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (Interstat) — In a back-and-forth battle that required an extra period to decide, the Northern Kentucky Norse women’s basketball team outlasted the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles 77 to 71 in a non-conference thriller on Sunday at Regents Hall.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 1,112, saw the Norse improve their season record to 3-6, while the Screaming Eagles fell to 4-2.

Northern Kentucky’s victory was fueled by a decisive 11-5 scoring advantage in the overtime period, finally creating separation after the two teams were locked at 66 through four quarters. The contest was a tale of contrasting strengths, with Southern Indiana dominating the interior and Northern Kentucky finding its success from the perimeter and in critical moments down the stretch.

The Screaming Eagles established their presence in the paint early and often, finishing the game with a commanding 40 points from close range compared to just 18 for the Norse. Southern Indiana also capitalized on mistakes, scoring 16 points off turnovers.

Despite the interior disparity, the Norse hung tough throughout regulation, thanks in large part to the scoring of guards Taysha Rushton and Karina Bystry. Rushton, a 5-foot-5 guard from Midland, Texas, finished with 20 points in 29 minutes, while Bystry, from Englewood, Tennessee, added 16 points, including several crucial three-pointers.

The game featured 11 lead changes and was tied on 10 separate occasions, reflecting the tight nature of the contest from start to finish. Southern Indiana started strong, taking a 22-21 lead after a high-scoring first quarter. The Screaming Eagles extended their lead to 32-30 at halftime after a defensive-minded second quarter where they held the Norse to just nine points.

The third quarter saw Northern Kentucky chip away at the deficit, outscoring Southern Indiana 17-16 to enter the final period trailing by just a single point, 48-47. The fourth quarter was a tense affair, with both teams trading baskets and the lead. Southern Indiana’s Chloe Gannon and Northern Kentucky’s Maddie Moody were instrumental for their teams, setting the stage for the overtime finish.

Gannon, a 6-foot-2 forward from Manchester, Tennessee, was a force for the Screaming Eagles, recording a game-high 21 points to go along with four blocked shots in 41 minutes of action. Her presence inside was a constant challenge for the Norse. She was supported by Sophia Loden of Mascoutah, Illinois, who scored 15 points, and Ali Saunders of Depauw, Indiana, who dished out seven assists.

For the Norse, Moody, a 6-foot-1 forward from Kettering, Ohio, was a workhorse, playing all 41 minutes and contributing 15 points. Mya Meredith, a guard from Newport, Kentucky, provided a well-rounded performance with 11 points and five assists, including key plays in the overtime period.

In the extra frame, Northern Kentucky’s experience in close games (Interstat) — they had played several tight contests earlier in the season (Interstat) — seemed to show. They executed their offense efficiently and connected on key free throws to seal the six-point victory.

According to the Interstat’s ELO system, Southern Indiana entered the game as the projected favorite with a 57.70 percent probability to win. The Norse, however, defied those odds to secure their third win of the young season.

Southern Indiana will look to rebound on the road against East Tennessee State on Saturday, December 6. Northern Kentucky returns to action at home against Green Bay on Thursday, December 4.