TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — Edyn Battle scored 21 points, including a critical three-point play late in regulation and eight more in overtime, to lift South Florida to a 66-60 victory over Charlotte in an American Athletic Conference women’s basketball game Tuesday night at the Yuengling Center.

In a contest defined by grinding defense and momentum swings, the Bulls outlasted the 49ers in the extra period before an announced crowd of 2,187, improving to 13-9 overall. Charlotte fell to 9-12 despite a valiant comeback that forced overtime.

South Florida appeared to have the game in hand, leading by six points with under two minutes to play in the fourth quarter. But Charlotte’s Tanajah Hayes, who led her team with 16 points, sparked a final push. The 49ers chipped away and, after a defensive stop, had a chance to tie or take the lead in the final seconds of regulation. A contested three-point attempt by Princess Anderson rimmed out, but Caroline Thiel secured the offensive rebound and scored on a putback as time expired to knot the game at 53-53 and stun the home crowd.

The overtime period, however, belonged squarely to Battle and the Bulls. The sophomore guard from Gahanna, Ohio, opened the scoring with a smooth jumper and, after a Charlotte turnover, drew a foul on a drive and sank both free throws. Following a putback by Charlotte’s Thiel, Battle answered with a step-back jumper to push the lead back to four.

Charlotte’s offense, which managed just seven points in the extra session, went cold under increased defensive pressure. South Florida’s L’or Mputu, who finished with eight points and several key rebounds, blocked a driving layup attempt, and Carla Brito swatted two shots in the paint to disrupt the 49ers’ rhythm. Battle effectively sealed the game by sinking two free throws with nine seconds left in overtime for the final margin.

The game’s flow was a tale of contrasting halves and resilient responses. South Florida controlled the first half, using a 15-6 advantage in points off turnovers to build a 30-28 lead at intermission. Battle and Stefanie Ingram, who played a game-high 42 minutes and tallied nine points and four assists, facilitated an offense that attacked the paint consistently.

Charlotte responded after halftime with intensified defense, holding the Bulls to just six points in the third quarter. A 9-0 run, capped by a three-pointer from Anderson, gave the 49ers their largest lead at 40-36. Anderson finished with 14 points for Charlotte.

South Florida’s offense reignited in the fourth quarter, erupting for 17 points. Battle was central to the surge, scoring seven in the period, including a crucial three-pointer assisted by Mputu that extended the lead to 47-42 with just over a minute remaining. The Bulls also dominated inside, outscoring Charlotte 34-28 in the paint.

Beyond Battle’s performance, South Florida received balanced contributions. Brito, a sophomore from Spain, provided six points, three assists, and two blocks, while Ingram’s steady hand at point guard was vital. For Charlotte, Thiel added nine points and several key rebounds, but the 49ers were hampered by 18 turnovers, which South Florida converted into 18 points.

The victory keeps South Florida in the upper tier of the AAC standings, while Charlotte continues to search for consistency in conference play, having now dropped two consecutive close games.

Charlotte will look to rebound at home against East Carolina on Sunday. South Florida’s next contest is on the road at East Carolina next Wednesday.