DE WITT, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle that required an extra period to decide, the Cornell Big Red edged the Le Moyne Dolphins 52-51 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at Ted Grant Court.

The contest, played before an intimate crowd of 414, was a back-and-forth affair defined by missed opportunities and tenacious defense from both sides, ultimately culminating in a dramatic overtime finish that saw Cornell escape with a one-point victory.

From the opening tip, the game established a pattern of tight, low-scoring quarters. Cornell opened a narrow 14-13 lead after the first period, but Le Moyne battled back, keeping the margin to just 24-22 in favor of the Big Red at the halftime break. The third quarter saw both offenses continue to sputter, with Cornell outscoring the Dolphins 10-9 to take a 34-31 lead into the final frame.

The fourth quarter provided the late-game drama that the first three periods had foreshadowed. Le Moyne’s Eli Clark, who finished with a team-high 17 points, connected on a pair of crucial free throws with 17 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the score at 45, forcing the game into overtime after Cornell’s final possession of the fourth quarter failed to produce a winning basket.

In the extra period, the teams traded blows. Audrey Chen of Cornell, who led all Big Red scorers with 14 points, hit a critical three-pointer to give her team a 50-47 advantage. Le Moyne responded, as Clark sank another three-pointer, assisted by Kayden Clark, to put the Dolphins ahead 51-50 with just under two minutes to play.

The final minute was a tense sequence of missed shots and a pivotal turnover. Chen was fouled on a layup attempt with 1:36 left and converted the basket to put Cornell back in front 52-51, but she missed the ensuing free throw. On the ensuing possession, Le Moyne’s Ashley Buragas committed an offensive foul, handing possession back to the Big Red with a chance to run down the clock.

Cornell was unable to extend its lead, giving Le Moyne one final opportunity with seconds remaining. The Dolphins’ last-second shot attempt by Eli Clark was off the mark, sealing the narrow victory for the visiting Big Red.

Statistically, the game was a testament to the defensive effort on both ends of the floor. Both teams struggled with their shooting; Cornell finished 22 of 59 from the floor, while Le Moyne managed only 18 of 50. The Big Red held a significant advantage in points off turnovers, scoring 17 compared to Le Moyne’s 10, a key factor in the tight contest.

For Cornell, the win was a balanced effort. Alongside Chen’s 14 points, Rachel Kaus also added 14 points, four rebounds and two assists while playing the entire 40 minutes. Clarke Jackson contributed nine points and five rebounds, and Emily Pape added nine points.

Le Moyne was led by Clark’s 17 points, which included three shots from beyond the arc. Buragas recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Sierra Linnin also scored 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

With the victory, Cornell evened its season record at 3-3. The loss dropped Le Moyne to 1-4 on the young season. The game was a nail-biter to the final buzzer, a fitting conclusion to a contest where neither team led by more than a few possessions and every basket was a precious commodity.