POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a heart-stopping affair that required an extra period to decide a winner, the Marist Red Foxes edged the Holy Cross Crusaders by a single point in a non-conference women’s basketball thriller on Sunday at McCann Recreation Center.

The game, played before an intimate crowd of 874, was a tale of wild momentum swings, with Holy Cross mounting a furious second-half comeback to force overtime, only for Marist to secure the 78-77 victory in the final seconds of the extra session.

Marist forward Justine Henry was the undeniable force for the Red Foxes, recording a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Her presence was felt throughout the contest, but it was her clutch play in overtime that ultimately sealed the win. With the game on the line, Henry converted a critical and-one opportunity early in the extra period and secured key defensive rebounds to stymie the Crusaders’ final attempts.

The Red Foxes exploded out of the gate, fueled by a dominant first quarter in which they scored 25 points. They maintained a comfortable lead for much of the first half, capitalizing on a strong offensive start. Holy Cross, however, refused to capitulate. The Crusaders chipped away at the deficit, finding their rhythm as the game progressed.

Guard Kaitlyn Flanagan led the Crusaders’ charge, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Her backcourt mate, Simone Foreman, was a constant threat, pouring in 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds. The duo’s persistence helped Holy Cross overcome a sluggish start and eventually take a late lead in regulation.

The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, featuring six lead changes. Holy Cross seemed to seize control with a 9-0 run, capped by a Kendall Eddy three-pointer that gave the Crusaders a five-point advantage with just over six minutes remaining. Marist responded with its own run, retaking the lead on a Jackie Piddock three-pointer.

Piddock was instrumental for the Red Foxes, matching Henry’s scoring output with 21 points of her own, including several crucial baskets down the stretch. With the game tied and under a minute left in regulation, both teams had opportunities to win it, but defensive stands forced the contest into overtime tied at 72.

The overtime period was a tense, defensive struggle. Henry’s three-point play gave Marist an early edge, but Holy Cross answered. The Crusaders took a one-point lead with under two minutes to play on a Foreman layup. Both teams then endured a scoring drought, with missed free throws and turnovers preventing either side from pulling away.

With just 15 seconds remaining in overtime and Holy Cross clinging to a one-point lead, Marist’s Justine Henry was called for an offensive foul, seemingly handing the Crusaders a chance to ice the game. However, on the ensuing inbounds play, Marist immediately fouled Holy Cross’s Meg Cahalan. Cahalan missed the first free throw but calmly sank the second, giving Holy Cross a two-point lead with 13 seconds left.

Marist called a timeout to advance the ball and set up a final play. Out of the break, the ball found its way to Jackie Piddock, who drove to the basket and converted a difficult layup while being fouled with 8.1 seconds on the clock. The ensuing free throw gave the Red Foxes a one-point lead.

Holy Cross had one final opportunity, but Marist’s defense held firm, forcing a contested shot that missed as time expired.

For Holy Cross, Kendall Eddy contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, while Meg Cahalan added 11 points. Marist’s Lexie Tarul provided a vital 13 points, and forward Karly Fischer filled the stat sheet with eight points, six rebounds and five assists.

The victory marked the first of the season for Marist, which improved its record to 1-3. Holy Cross, which entered the game on a two-game winning streak after a season-opening loss, fell to an even 2-2.

Holy Cross will look to rebound on the road against Rhode Island on Wednesday. Marist, seeking to build on its first victory, will host Stony Brook, also on Wednesday.