SAN FRANCISCO (Interstat) — In a back-and-forth offensive battle at War Memorial Gymnasium on Tuesday night, the San Francisco Dons outlasted the Lehigh Mountain Hawks 89-84 in a non-conference women’s basketball game.

The contest was a tale of contrasting efficiencies. While both teams finished with an identical 81 possessions, San Francisco’s superior shooting proved to be the decisive factor. The Dons converted on 55.4 percent of their shots from the floor, going 31 for 56. Lehigh, by contrast, struggled with its shooting touch, making just 29 of 72 attempts for a 40.3 percent clip.

San Francisco was led by a dominant performance from Candy Edokpaigbe. The junior from Naples, Italy, poured in 25 points, showcasing her efficiency inside the arc. She was complemented by Mara Neira of Baiona, Spain, who added 19 points. The Dons’ offense ran smoothly through point guard Aina Cargol of Olot, Spain, who orchestrated the attack with a double-double of 9 points and 10 assists.

Lehigh’s effort was spearheaded by the prolific scoring of Lily Fandre. The sophomore from Eagan, Minnesota, delivered a game-high 27 points in just 26 minutes of action. Leia Edwards of London, England, provided strong support with 15 points, while Gracyn Lovette, a hometown product from San Rafael, California, chipped in 13 points.

The game remained tightly contested throughout the first half. The opening quarter ended in an 18-18 deadlock before San Francisco managed to carve out a slim 39-35 advantage by halftime. The Dons then appeared to seize control in the third quarter, erupting for 28 points to stretch their lead to 67-55 heading into the final period.

Refusing to capitulate, the Mountain Hawks mounted a furious fourth-quarter rally. Lehigh’s offense came alive, scoring 29 points in the frame, led by Fandre’s relentless attacks. The Hawks whittled the deficit down to a single possession in the game’s final minute, applying intense pressure on the Dons.

However, San Francisco’s composure at the free-throw line in the closing seconds ultimately sealed the victory. Despite shooting 19 for 32 from the charity stripe for the game, the Dons made critical free throws when it mattered most to hold off the charging Hawks.

San Francisco’s interior presence was a key factor, as they outscored Lehigh 46-34 in the paint and blocked four shots. Lehigh, however, won the battle on the offensive glass, grabbing 14 rebounds to San Francisco’s nine, which led to 20 second-chance points. Both teams capitalized equally on mistakes, each scoring 20 points off turnovers.

With the win, San Francisco improves its season record to 4-2. The Dons are scheduled to host Cal St. Monterey Bay on Sunday. Lehigh’s record falls to 2-5 with the hard-fought road loss. The Mountain Hawks will return home to face Brown on Sunday.