SYRACUSE, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game that stretched endurance and will across three overtimes, the Syracuse women’s basketball team outlasted California 90-87 in a nonconference thriller on Thursday night at the Carrier Dome.

The marathon contest, which saw 15 lead changes and 11 ties, was ultimately decided by a cold-blooded three-pointer from Syracuse guard Dominique Darius with three seconds remaining in the third extra period. The shot from the top of the key gave the Orange the final margin and capped a night of dramatic swings before an announced crowd of 2,312.

Syracuse, which improved to 15-3, appeared to have the game in hand multiple times, only to see the resilient Golden Bears, now 10-9, claw back from significant deficits. The Orange built a commanding 53-34 lead late in the third quarter, capitalizing on a 22-point second quarter fueled by defensive pressure that forced California into 24 total turnovers.

Yet, California mounted a stunning fourth-quarter rally, outscoring Syracuse 25-9 in the period. The surge was spearheaded by forward Naya Ojukwu, who scored 13 of her game-high 25 points in the quarter. Her layup with 26 seconds left in regulation tied the score at 62, forcing the first overtime after Syracuse’s Sophie Burrows missed a tip-in at the buzzer.

The first overtime was a back-and-forth affair, featuring five lead changes. California guard Lulu Twidale, who played a game-high 52 minutes and finished with 16 points and 12 assists, hit a deep three-pointer with six seconds left to tie the score at 74. Syracuse’s Darius was fouled on the ensuing inbounds play and made two free throws with 11 seconds remaining, but Twidale answered again, draining another three with six ticks left to force a second overtime at 77-77.

Fatigue set in during the second overtime, with both teams combining for just 14 points. Syracuse took an 83-81 lead on a Darius layup with 27 seconds left, but California’s Taylor Barnes was fouled on a driving layup and made the ensuing free throw to tie the game at 83 with 54 seconds remaining. Neither team could convert on final possessions, sending the game to a third overtime.

Syracuse struck first in the final frame on a Burrows three-pointer. California responded, tying the game at 87 on a pair of Mjracle Sheppard free throws with 41 seconds left. After a missed free throw by Darius, the Orange secured the offensive rebound and called timeout to set up the final play. Darius received the inbounds pass, created space and sank the game-winning three.

Burrows led Syracuse with 21 points, while Darius finished with 19. Center Izoje Uche was a defensive force for the Orange, recording 22 points, five blocks and four steals, repeatedly altering shots at the rim.

For California, Ojukwu’s 25 points came on efficient 9-of-14 shooting from the field, and she added 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Barnes contributed 16 points and nine rebounds. Despite being outrebounded 24-11 on the offensive glass and surrendering 17 steals, the Golden Bears stayed in the game by shooting 91.7% from the free-throw line and committing only four turnovers after the third quarter.

Syracuse finished the game shooting 36.2% from the field, while California shot 41.7%. The Orange next host Stanford on Sunday. California continues its road trip at Boston College, also on Sunday.