WASHINGTON (Interstat) — In a game defined more by grit than grace, the American Eagles snapped a three-game losing streak with a 59-56 overtime victory over the Colgate Raiders in a Patriot League women’s basketball contest Wednesday night at Bender Arena.

The game, witnessed by 295 fans, was a defensive struggle where neither team could sustain offensive rhythm. Both squads entered with sub-.500 records and played to form, combining to shoot just 32% from the field and 5 of 39 from three-point range. The outcome hinged on a dramatic final sequence in regulation and American’s composure in the extra period.

Colgate, which fell to 5-9 overall, was led by Ella Meabon’s game-high 20 points. Tatiana Matthews added 17 for the Raiders. American, improving to 4-10, was paced by Charlotte Tuhy’s 17 points and a crucial 16-point performance from Madisyn Moore-Nicholson.

The contest’s pivotal moment arrived with American clinging to a 50-48 lead and just 5 seconds remaining in regulation. Following an American timeout, Colgate’s Abbey Ferguson inbounded the ball to Tatiana Matthews, who launched a deep three-pointer from the top of the arc as the clock expired. The shot found nothing but net, sending the Raiders’ bench into a frenzy and forcing overtime tied at 50.

The shot momentarily silenced the home crowd and seemed to swing all momentum to the visitors. However, the Eagles regrouped during the break. American scored the first four points of the extra period, but Colgate answered, tying the game at 54 on a Madison Schiller layup with 37 seconds left.

On the ensuing possession, American’s Molly Driscoll missed a three-pointer, but Tuhy, who was relentless on the glass all night, secured the offensive rebound and put it back for a 56-54 lead with 49 seconds left in overtime. After a Colgate miss, American ran the clock down before Driscoll was fouled with 2 seconds remaining. She made the first free throw to extend the lead to three but missed the second intentionally. Colgate secured the rebound but had no time to attempt a game-tying shot.

The game was a stark contrast in halves. American used a dominant second quarter, outscoring Colgate 25-14, to take a 34-20 lead into halftime. The Eagles’ defense stifled the Raiders, who managed just one made three-pointer on 19 attempts for the entire game.

Colgate stormed back after the break with a 16-7 third quarter, fueled by a 12-0 run that cut the deficit to 41-36 entering the fourth. The Raiders’ defense forced 20 American turnovers, converting them into 15 points. Colgate also dominated inside, scoring 40 points in the paint compared to American’s 32.

Yet, American’s advantages at the free-throw line proved critical. The Eagles made 11 of 16 attempts, while Colgate attempted only two free throws, making one. Tuhy’s all-around effort included a game-high 11 rebounds, including five on the offensive end, to help American to a 44-39 overall rebounding edge.

The win gives American a measure of momentum as it prepares to visit Holy Cross on Saturday. Colgate, which had won two of its last three, looks to rebound at Lehigh, also on Saturday. The two teams will meet again in Hamilton, New York, on Jan. 21.