CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Interstat) — Izzy McPherson’s 3-pointer with 29 seconds remaining proved to be the decisive basket as the Chattanooga Lady Mocs edged the Northern Kentucky Norse 64-62 in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday at McKenzie Arena.

The game was a back-and-forth affair featuring 10 lead changes and eight ties, with neither team able to build a substantial advantage. Chattanooga clung to a one-point lead in the final minute when Caia Elisaldez found a wide-open McPherson in the corner for the clutch three, giving the Lady Mocs a 64-60 cushion.

Northern Kentucky’s Karina Bystry answered with a layup to cut the deficit to two with 46 seconds left. After a defensive stop, the Norse had a chance to tie or take the lead, but a turnover with nine seconds left ultimately sealed their fate. A final desperation shot by Bystry at the buzzer would not fall.

Bystry, a guard from Englewood, Tennessee, led all scorers with 21 points for Northern Kentucky. Abby Wolterman added 12 points and Mya Meredith chipped in 10 for the Norse, who fell to 1-5 on the season.

Chattanooga was led by Gianna Corbitt’s 18 points. The victory was fueled by a standout performance from point guard Caia Elisaldez, who recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. Kalifa Ford also reached double figures, scoring 10 points and grabbing six rebounds for the Lady Mocs, who improved to 3-4.

The contest was tight throughout, with Chattanooga taking a 29-23 lead into halftime. Northern Kentucky mounted a strong comeback in the third quarter, outscoring the Lady Mocs 24-16 to take a slim two-point lead into the final period. The fourth quarter saw four lead changes before McPherson’s late triple secured the home victory.

An announced crowd of 1,765 watched the game at McKenzie Arena.