HAMILTON, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive grit and a singular, towering performance, the American Eagles snapped a three-game losing streak with a 44-41 victory over the Colgate Raiders in a Patriot League women’s basketball contest on Wednesday night at Cotterell Court.

The most important part of the game was a final, frantic defensive stand. Leading 42-41 with 13 seconds remaining, American’s Charlotte Tuhy scored on a driving layup to push the lead to three. Colgate called timeout and designed a play for a potential game-tying three-pointer. The Raiders got two looks from beyond the arc in the closing seconds. Amarah Streiff’s attempt missed, and after an offensive rebound, Madison Schiller’s three-point attempt was blocked by American’s Laura Nogues as time expired, sealing the Eagles’ narrow win.

The game was a stark contrast to the teams’ meeting just two weeks prior, which American won 59-56 in overtime. This rematch was a low-scoring, physical affair from the opening tip. American established an early lead, holding Colgate to just six first-quarter points and taking a 23-18 advantage into halftime. The Eagles’ defense, anchored by Tuhy’s presence in the paint, consistently challenged Colgate’s shooters and disrupted offensive rhythm.

Charlotte Tuhy, a 6-foot-1 junior from Madison, New Jersey, delivered a career-defining performance for American. She dominated both ends of the floor, finishing with 22 points, 17 rebounds and five blocked shots in 37 minutes. Her defensive impact was monumental, altering countless shots beyond her five official blocks and controlling the glass. This outing was a significant departure from her recent performances, including a six-point effort in a loss to Army on Jan. 17.

Colgate, which had been projected as a heavy favorite by statistical models pregame, was led by Ella Meabon. The Fairport, New York, native scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Madison Schiller of Wyckoff, New Jersey, added 13 points and eight rebounds for the Raiders, playing all but one minute of the contest. Abbey Ferguson provided a key defensive presence for Colgate with three blocks and six rebounds.

The Eagles maintained their lead throughout the second half, though Colgate persistently chipped away. The Raiders pulled within a single point on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, but could never seize the lead. American’s scoring was sporadic outside of Tuhy, with Madisyn Moore-Nicholson adding eight points and Lexi Salazar contributing six, including a crucial late jumper.

Both teams struggled offensively. The combined 85 points underscored a game where defensive pressure and missed shots were the norm. Each possession carried heightened weight in the final minutes.

With the win, American improved to 5-13 overall. Colgate fell to 5-12. The victory provides a crucial conference road win for the Eagles as they navigate the Patriot League schedule.

American will look to build on this defensive triumph when they host Holy Cross on Saturday. Colgate aims to rebound on the road at Boston University, also on Saturday.