TOWSON, Md. (Interstat) — In a game defined by grinding defense and offensive struggles, the Towson Tigers used a decisive second-quarter surge and clutch late plays to hold off a persistent Northeastern Huskies squad 63-55 in a Colonial Athletic Association women’s basketball contest Sunday at SECU Arena.

A crowd of 665 watched as both teams labored through frigid shooting, but Towson’s ability to capitalize on Northeastern mistakes and control the glass proved the difference. The Tigers improved to 13-10 overall, while the Huskies fell to 6-15.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the second quarter. Leading 11-9 after a low-scoring first period, Towson seized control with an 18-11 quarter, building a 29-20 halftime advantage. The Tigers forced seven Northeastern turnovers in the first half, converting them into 15 points, while the Huskies managed just six points off Towson’s miscues. A key sequence saw Towson’s Viki Matulevicius, who finished with 14 points and six rebounds, hit a three-pointer and later draw a foul for two free throws in the final two minutes of the half to help stretch the lead.

Northeastern, led by a game-high 16 points from guard Yirsy Quéliz, refused to fade. The Huskies chipped away in the third quarter and mounted a serious challenge in the fourth. A three-pointer by Quéliz with 7:30 remaining cut Towson’s lead to 52-50, capping a 10-2 Huskies run and setting up a tense finish.

Towson responded with the composure of a veteran team. After a media timeout, the Tigers executed a crucial possession that ended with a three-pointer from Kayla Morris, who contributed six points and eight rebounds, pushing the lead back to five with 2:56 left. Following a three from Northeastern’s Morgan Matthews, Towson’s India Johnston was fouled and sank two free throws. Then, after a steal by Matthews, the Huskies had a chance to close within a single possession, but Matthews missed the second of two free throws with 1:31 left, keeping it a two-possession game at 60-55.

The Tigers sealed the victory at the free-throw line in the final 17 seconds. Zoli Khalil made one of two attempts, and after a Northeastern miss, the Huskies were forced to foul. Johnston, who scored 11 points, made two more free throws with under eight seconds left to provide the final margin.

Statistically, the game was a battle of attrition. Both teams shot under 34% from the field. Towson’s slight edges were foundational: they out-rebounded Northeastern 45-34, grabbed 14 offensive boards leading to 12 second-chance points, and went 16 for 22 at the free-throw line compared to Northeastern’s 11 for 16. The Huskies shot a more efficient 33% from three-point range but only attempted 12, while Towson was 5 for 18 from deep.

For Northeastern, Justice Tramble joined Quéliz in double figures with 12 points. Matthews added 10 points. Towson’s balanced attack saw Matulevicius and Johnston lead the way, with Semaya Turner and Hannah Dereje each pulling down six rebounds. Dereje also blocked two shots.

The game’s tempo was slow, with Northeastern using 71 possessions and Towson 70. The Tigers posted an offensive rating of 89.4 points per 100 possessions, outperforming the Huskies’ 77.9, underscoring their slightly more efficient scoring in a defensive struggle.

The win gives Towson momentum as they head into a road test at Hampton next Friday. Northeastern looks to regroup when they host College of Charleston on Friday.