NEW YORK (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed opportunities and critical late-game execution, the Wagner Seahawks edged the Long Island Sharks 59-54 in a Northeast Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at the Wellness, Recreation & Athletic Center.

The contest, which saw both teams shoot below 37% from the field and commit a combined 29 turnovers, was ultimately decided at the free-throw line in the final minute. Wagner, despite converting only 16 of 26 free throws overall, made the necessary ones down the stretch to secure its second consecutive victory and move to 9-10 overall.

Long Island, which fell to 11-8, was projected as a strong favorite by advanced metrics but could not overcome its own offensive inefficiency, posting an offensive rating of 76.3 points per 100 possessions.

The most pivotal sequence occurred in the game’s closing seconds. With Wagner leading 56-54 and 3.6 seconds remaining, Long Island’s Camille Wiley committed a turnover on the inbound pass. Wagner’ Irene Fernandez de Caleya was immediately fouled and calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to four points, effectively sealing the outcome. The Sharks, who had clawed back from a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit, got no closer.

The game was a grind from the outset. Wagner established an early interior presence behind Lijirin Doyinsola Modesayor, who finished with a game-high 19 points. The Seahawks led 30-27 at halftime, a margin built largely by scoring 10 points off Long Island turnovers.

The Sharks found brief momentum in the third quarter, taking a 39-38 lead after a Janessa Williams driving layup. However, Wagner responded with a 7-0 run to close the period, capped by a Fernandez de Caleya 3-pointer, to reclaim a 45-39 advantage entering the final frame.

Long Island’s late push was fueled by Solangelei Akridge, who hit two crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. Her second triple, assisted by Williams with just over two minutes left, cut Wagner’s lead to 53-51. After a Wagner miss, the Sharks had a chance to tie or take the lead but came up empty on their next two possessions, setting the stage for the decisive final minute.

Fernandez de Caleya supported Modesayor with 12 points for Wagner, while Keana Foz added 11. The Seahawks won despite being out-assisted 11-8 and registering more turnovers (15) than assists.

Long Island was led by Kadidia Toure’s 12 points, 4 assists and 4 blocks. Williams and Kionna Gaines each contributed 11 points, and Akridge finished with 9 points and 3 assists. The Sharks’ 6-for-10 performance at the foul line, compared to Wagner’s 26 attempts, proved a significant disadvantage.

Both teams continue NEC play on Thursday. Wagner will host Central Connecticut, while Long Island travels to face Le Moyne. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in the regular-season finale on March 5 at Wagner.