POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a back-and-forth affair that required an extra period, the Marist Red Foxes edged the Holy Cross Crusaders 78-77 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at McCann Recreation Center.

The game was decided in the final seconds of overtime. With eight seconds remaining, Marist’s Jackie Piddock converted a layup while being fouled. She sank the ensuing free throw to put the Red Foxes ahead by a point. Holy Cross was unable to get a final shot off before the buzzer, sealing the victory for the home team before an announced crowd of 874.

The contest was a tale of contrasting strengths. Marist’s victory was fueled by a prolific performance from beyond the arc, where they shot 10 for 21. Holy Cross, by contrast, struggled from long range, making just 5 of 20 attempts. The Crusaders compensated by dominating the interior, outscoring Marist 34-20 in the paint and securing a significant 10-2 advantage in offensive rebounds, which led to numerous second-chance opportunities.

Holy Cross built an early lead, finishing the first quarter with 19 points, but Marist answered with a 25-point outburst in the same period, largely behind their three-point shooting. The Crusaders used an 18-point second quarter to take a narrow lead at halftime, but the teams remained tightly contested throughout the second half, ultimately finishing regulation tied.

Justine Henry was the standout performer for Marist, recording a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Jackie Piddock matched Henry’s scoring output with 21 points of her own, including the decisive three-point play in overtime. Lexie Tarul added 13 points for the Red Foxes.

Holy Cross was led by a balanced scoring attack. Kaitlyn Flanagan scored 16 points and dished out five assists, while Simone Foreman added 19 points and eight rebounds. Kendall Eddy contributed 10 points and seven rebounds, and Meg Cahalan scored 11 points.

Defensively, Holy Cross was active, recording 10 steals and forcing 15 Marist turnovers, which they converted into 20 points. Marist, however, was more efficient from the free-throw line, making 12 of 13 attempts compared to Holy Cross’s 14 for 22.

With the win, Marist improved its season record to 1-3, securing its first victory. Holy Cross, which entered the game as a significant favorite according to statistical projections, fell to 2-2.

Holy Cross will look to rebound on the road Wednesday against Rhode Island. Marist returns to action at home Wednesday against Stony Brook.