MORAGA, Calif. (Interstat) — In a tense, defensive struggle that required an extra period to decide, the San Francisco Dons avenged a loss from two weeks prior by edging the Saint Mary’s Gaels 61-60 in overtime in a West Coast Conference women’s basketball game Saturday at McKeon Pavilion.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 639, was a stark contrast to the teams’ previous meeting on Feb. 7, which Saint Mary’s won handily by 17 points. This rematch was defined by grit, missed opportunities, and a singular dominant performance that ultimately tipped the scales.

San Francisco guard Candy Edokpaigbe, a native of Naples, Italy, delivered a career-defining effort, pouring in 28 points while playing 43 of a possible 45 minutes. Her relentless drives to the basket provided the primary offensive engine for a Dons team that otherwise struggled mightily from the field. San Francisco shot just 36.7% overall and a frigid 18.5% from three-point range. Edokpaigbe’s scoring, coupled with 11 points and five assists from guard Mara Neira of Baiona, Spain, proved just enough.

The Gaels were led by Abigail Shoff of Redding, California, who scored 19 points, and Jada Hunter of Vallejo, California, who added 12. Saint Mary’s shot a slightly better 42.6% from the floor but was hampered by a stark disparity in free throw attempts and makes. The Gaels attempted only five free throws, making three, while the Dons went to the line 22 times, converting 12.

Saint Mary’s controlled the first half, using a 16-6 first-quarter advantage to build a 32-18 lead at halftime. The Dons’ offense was stagnant, managing only 18 points over the first 20 minutes. The momentum shifted decisively in the third quarter, as San Francisco came out of the locker room with renewed aggression. The Dons erupted for a 19-point quarter, cutting the deficit to 46-37 heading into the final period.

The fourth quarter saw San Francisco complete its methodical comeback. A key sequence began with just over five minutes remaining when Neira stole the ball and found Edokpaigbe for a layup. On the ensuing possession, Neira stole another pass and assisted Noelia Mourino Freiria for another basket, pulling the Dons within two. Edokpaigbe then gave San Francisco its first lead since the opening minute with a driving layup, making it 52-50 with 4:10 left.

The final minutes of regulation were a frantic exchange. With San Francisco clinging to a 55-53 lead, Saint Mary’s executed a crucial play out of a timeout with just four seconds left. Amy Kurkowski inbounded the ball to Shoff, who drained a clutch three-pointer from the wing to put the Gaels ahead 56-55. After a San Francisco timeout, the Dons’ final attempt, a driving layup by Edokpaigbe, was blocked by Edie Clarke of Melbourne, Australia, sending the game to overtime tied at 56.

The extra period was a microcosm of the entire game: a defensive battle with scarce scoring. Both teams combined for just nine points in the five-minute frame. The decisive blow came with 15 seconds remaining in overtime. Trailing 60-58, San Francisco’s Aina Cargol of Olot, Spain, received a pass from Edokpaigbe and sank a critical three-pointer from the top of the key to put the Dons ahead 61-60.

Saint Mary’s had two final chances. After a timeout, Jada Hunter’s floating jumper in the lane missed, and Clarke’s offensive rebound putback attempt as time expired was off the mark, securing the dramatic one-point victory for San Francisco.

Statistically, the game was remarkably even. Both teams committed 20 turnovers, and Saint Mary’s held a slight edge in assists (14-13) and steals (14-13). San Francisco won the battle on the offensive glass 12-11 and scored 20 points off turnovers compared to Saint Mary’s 11. The Dons’ ability to generate more shot attempts, 78 possessions to 72, and their persistence in attacking the paint for 32 points were subtle but critical factors.

With the win, San Francisco improves to 16-11 overall. Saint Mary’s falls to 15-14. Both teams continue WCC play on Thursday, with San Francisco hosting Loyola Marymount and Saint Mary’s traveling to face Gonzaga.