AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — In a marathon contest defined by grit and missed opportunities, the Binghamton Bearcats outlasted the Akron Zips in a double-overtime women’s basketball thriller, 95-94, on Thursday night at James A. Rhodes Arena.

The victory, secured in the final seconds of the second extra period, improved Binghamton’s record to 3-2 while Akron remained winless at 0-5.

The game was ultimately decided at the free-throw line, a place of stark contrast for the two teams throughout the night. Akron’s inability to convert from the charity stripe proved catastrophic, as the Zips shot a dismal 26 of 44. Binghamton, meanwhile, was far more efficient, making 22 of its 28 attempts.

The final sequence encapsulated the entire game. With just five seconds remaining in the second overtime and Binghamton trailing by one, star guard Bella Pucci was fouled on a three-point attempt. The junior from Rochester, New York, calmly stepped to the line and sank all three free throws to put the Bearcats ahead. Akron’s final desperate attempt to answer missed its mark, sealing the Binghamton victory.

Pucci was the undeniable hero for the Bearcats, pouring in a game-high 29 points, including the three most critical points of the night from the line. Her backcourt mate, Kendall Bennett from Philadelphia, added 19 points, while Leah Middleton of Auburn, New York, provided a significant spark with 15 points.

For Akron, the loss was a heartbreaking end to a valiant effort. Ni’Rah Clark, a 6-foot-2 forward from Toledo, Ohio, led the Zips with 19 points and was a force on the glass. Shaena Brew of Rialto, California, facilitated the offense with 7 assists to go with her 14 points. Keiryn McGuff of Dublin, Ohio, and Natalie Johnson of Waldorf, Maryland, each chipped in 13 points.

The game’s trajectory was a rollercoaster. Akron dominated the early stages, racing out to a 20-12 lead after the first quarter and extending it to a 38-29 advantage by halftime. The Zips maintained control through the third quarter, leading 52-46.

However, the fourth quarter saw a dramatic shift. Binghamton’s offense exploded for 29 points, erasing the deficit and forcing the game into overtime tied at 75-75. The first overtime period saw both teams trade blows, with Akron’s Corinne Reed of Chicago sinking a clutch three-pointer to tie the game at 85-85 and force a second overtime.

In the second extra period, the teams continued to trade the lead, setting the stage for Pucci’s game-winning free throws.

Despite the loss, Akron held statistical advantages in several categories. The Zips shot a higher percentage from the field, 46.9 percent to Binghamton’s 39.5 percent, and committed fewer turnovers, 20 to Binghamton’s 24. Akron also posted a superior offensive rating of 102.3 points per 100 possessions compared to Binghamton’s 94.7.

Yet, Binghamton’s resilience and dominance in key hustle categories made the difference. The Bearcats won the battle on the offensive glass, pulling down 18 rebounds to Akron’s 13, and dished out twice as many assists, 8 to 4. Binghamton also recorded 8 steals compared to Akron’s 4.

The victory provides a significant momentum boost for Binghamton as they prepare for their next contest at Columbia on Monday. For Akron, the search for their first win continues as they look to regroup before hosting Xavier on Monday.