HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. (Interstat) — In a game defined by dramatic momentum swings and a frantic final minute, Anna Hamilton’s driving layup with 13 seconds remaining lifted the Northern Kentucky women’s basketball team to a 77-76 victory over Oakland in a Horizon League thriller on Tuesday night at Regents Hall.

The Norse, who led by as many as 14 points in the first half, survived a furious second-half comeback by the Golden Grizzlies and a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer to secure the win.

The most critical sequence unfolded in the game’s final 30 seconds. With Northern Kentucky clinging to a 74-71 lead, Oakland’s Makenzie Luehring was fouled and sent to the line with 26 seconds left. The junior guard calmly sank both free throws to cut the deficit to one point.

On the ensuing inbound, Northern Kentucky’s Karina Bystry delivered a clutch 3-pointer from the stepback, pushing the Norse lead back to 77-73 with just 21 seconds on the clock. Oakland responded immediately, as Filippa Goula found Sereniti Roberts-Adams for a layup to make it 77-75 with 13 seconds left.

Oakland then fouled Hamilton, a 5-foot-5 guard from nearby Hebron, Kentucky, on the inbound. Hamilton missed the first free throw but made the second, giving the Norse a precarious 77-76 lead and setting the stage for a final possession.

Out of a timeout, Oakland worked the ball to its leading scorer, Luehring, whose contested jump shot from the wing as time expired caromed off the rim and was secured by Northern Kentucky’s Mya Meredith to end the game.

The contest was a tale of two halves. Northern Kentucky dominated the early going, shooting efficiently inside and capitalizing on Oakland turnovers to build a 44-32 halftime advantage. Maddie Moody and Karina Bystry were instrumental in establishing the Norse’s interior presence.

Oakland stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring Northern Kentucky 24-15 behind the explosive scoring of Goula and Luehring. The Golden Grizzlies’ defensive intensity increased, forcing the Norse into a more stagnant offense and trimming the lead to just three points entering the final period.

The fourth quarter featured six lead changes and two ties, with neither team leading by more than four points. Both sides traded critical baskets and free throws down the stretch before Hamilton’s decisive drive.

Luehring led all scorers with 26 points for Oakland, playing 39 minutes. Goula, a guard from Ano Liosia, Greece, added 22 points and three assists. Their backcourt combination fueled the Oakland comeback after a sluggish first half.

Northern Kentucky was led by a balanced attack. Bystry scored 19 points, while Meredith finished with 18 points and three assists. Moody contributed 14 points and Hamilton provided a crucial spark off the bench with 12 points, including the game’s final field goal.

Statistically, the game was remarkably even. Northern Kentucky held a slight edge in field goal percentage, shooting 45.8% to Oakland’s 43.9%, and made 18 of 21 free throws. Oakland stayed close by hitting nine 3-pointers to Northern Kentucky’s five and winning the rebounding battle. Turnovers were a key factor, as Oakland’s 14 giveaways led to 10 Northern Kentucky steals.

With the win, Northern Kentucky improves to 11-14 overall. Oakland falls to 8-14. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in Rochester, Michigan, on Feb. 25.

The announced attendance was 1,216.