CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — In a grinding, defensive struggle defined by critical plays in the final minute, the Temple women’s basketball team edged Charlotte 58-54 in an American Athletic Conference matchup Tuesday night at Halton Arena.

The victory, sealed by clutch free throws from Savannah Curry in the game’s waning seconds, avenged a one-point home loss to the 49ers just over three weeks prior and provided a vital boost for the Owls in the conference standings.

Temple improved to 11-14 overall, while Charlotte fell to 12-14. An announced crowd of 612 watched as both teams struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm in a physical contest.

The game’s decisive sequence unfolded in the final 19 seconds with Temple clinging to a 56-54 lead. After a traveling violation on Temple’s Saniyah Craig gave Charlotte possession, the 49ers called a full timeout to set up a potential game-tying or go-ahead play. On the ensuing inbounds, Temple’ Tristen Taylor was whistled for a foul on Charlotte’s Princess Anderson, sending the 49ers’ leading scorer to the line for two shots with 11 seconds remaining.

Anderson, who finished with a game-high 19 points, missed the first free throw. Following a Temple timeout, she also missed the second. Saniyah Craig secured the defensive rebound for the Owls and was immediately fouled.

With nine seconds left and Temple in the double bonus, Craig missed the front end of a one-and-one. Charlotte’s Caroline Thiel grabbed the rebound, but Curry alertly tied her up, forcing a jump ball. The possession arrow favored Temple, forcing Charlotte to foul again.

Curry was sent to the line with three seconds remaining and calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to four points, effectively sealing the outcome. Charlotte’s desperation heave at the buzzer was off target.

The game was a tense, back-and-forth affair throughout. Temple established an early lead, ending the first quarter up 14-12 and extending it to 24-20 at halftime behind a staunch defensive effort that limited Charlotte to eight second-quarter points. The Owls’ interior presence, led by Jaleesa Molina’s three blocked shots, challenged Charlotte’s drives consistently.

Charlotte rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Temple 14-13 to narrow the gap to 37-34 heading into the final period. The 49ers’ surge continued early in the fourth, with a three-pointer from Zoe Best giving Charlotte a 40-37 lead with just over eight minutes to play—their largest advantage of the second half.

Temple responded swiftly. Curry answered with a three-pointer on the next possession to tie the game, igniting a 7-0 Owls run. The teams then traded blows, with Charlotte tying the game at 47 on a Taliah Cornish jumper with 5:29 remaining. Temple’s Kaylah Turner and Charlotte’s Imani Smith exchanged pairs of free throws, leaving the score knotted at 49 with 4:10 to go.

The Owls then strung together five consecutive points—a layup by Molina and three free throws from Turner—to take a 54-49 lead with 2:10 remaining. Charlotte refused to fade, scoring the next five points on an Anderson layup and three free throws to tie the game at 54 with 1:33 on the clock.

After nearly a minute of scoreless play, Temple regained the lead for good when Taylor drew a foul and made both free throws with 28 seconds left, setting the stage for the dramatic final sequence.

Curry, a junior guard from Fallston, Maryland, led Temple with 21 points, including the two decisive free throws. Molina, a sophomore from the Hague, Netherlands, provided a crucial double-double with 12 points and a game-high 10 rebounds to go with her three blocks. Saniyah Craig added 14 points for the Owls.

For Charlotte, Anderson’s 19 points paced the offense. Tanajah Hayes added nine points and three assists. The 49ers were hampered by 18 turnovers, which Temple converted into 15 points.

The game was a defensive battle, with both teams shooting under 35% from the field. Temple’s ability to execute in the final minute, particularly at the free-throw line where they made 21 of 28 attempts compared to Charlotte’s 20 of 30, proved to be the ultimate difference.

Temple returns to action Sunday at home against Memphis. Charlotte will host North Texas on Saturday.