TRAVELERS REST, S.C. (Interstat) — In a thrilling, back-and-forth affair that required an extra period to decide, the Furman Paladins edged the Georgia State Panthers 90-89 in a non-conference women’s basketball thriller on Thursday night at Timmons Arena.

The game, witnessed by an intimate crowd of 474, was a showcase of individual brilliance and team resilience, ultimately hinging on critical plays in the final seconds of overtime. The victory leveled Furman’s early season record at 2-2, while Georgia State also moved to an even 2-2.

The contest was a tale of runs and remarkable individual performances, particularly from Furman’s Clare Coyle and Georgia State’s Morgan Robinson-Nwagwu. Coyle, a 6-foot-1 forward from Jacksonville, Fla., was a force throughout, dominating the paint to the tune of 22 points and a staggering 17 rebounds. Her presence was felt on both ends of the floor, adding an assist and a block in 40 minutes of action.

Robinson-Nwagwu, a 5-foot-8 guard from Norcross, Ga., answered for the Panthers with a game-high 25 points, supplementing her scoring with seven rebounds. The duel between these two stars set the tone for an evening where neither team could establish a commanding lead.

Furman guard Raina McGowens from Pelzer, S.C., was equally instrumental in the Paladins’ victory, recording a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. She also dished out five assists and registered two blocks, including a crucial one in the overtime period. Her backcourt mate, Chantelle Stuart of Scarborough, Canada, orchestrated the offense with precision, handing out nine assists.

Georgia State’s offensive effort was more distributed. Alongside Robinson-Nwagwu’s 25, Kaleigh Addie from Atlanta contributed 17 points, while Crystal Henderson of Marietta added 13 points and four assists. Ari Dyson of Griffin, Ga., provided a strong interior presence with 11 points and seven rebounds before fouling out late in regulation.

The game unfolded with relentless intensity from the opening tip. The first half was a tightly contested battle, with Furman taking a narrow 30-29 lead into the locker room after two quarters. The third quarter saw the offenses ignite, with Furman outscoring Georgia State 23-21 to carry a 53-50 advantage into the final frame.

The fourth quarter escalated into a dramatic shootout. Both teams traded baskets and the lead multiple times down the stretch. With the game on the line and the clock winding down in regulation, Georgia State executed its offense to draw fouls and convert at the free-throw line, while Furman answered with key baskets from Coyle and McGowens to force the extra session tied at 75.

Overtime provided no respite from the tension. The teams continued to trade blows, with the lead changing hands several times. Alyssa Ervin of Furman, from Galax, Va., who finished with 13 points, hit critical free throws in the final minute to give the Paladins a slim lead.

With just seconds remaining in overtime and Furman clinging to a one-point lead, Georgia State had one final possession to win the game. The Panthers worked the ball to Henderson, but her contested three-point attempt as time expired missed the mark, sealing the hard-fought victory for the home team.

The game was a significant test for both programs. Georgia State entered the contest coming off a road victory at Wofford, while Furman was looking to rebound from a pair of road losses against Southeastern Conference opponents Vanderbilt and Georgia. According to Interstat’s ELO system, the Panthers were projected as the favorite with a 60.20 percent probability to win, but the Paladins’ determined performance, particularly on their home floor, defied those odds.

Georgia State will look to regroup quickly as it travels to face Auburn on Monday. Furman, meanwhile, returns to Timmons Arena to host Campbell on Sunday.