LILLINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive stands and a relentless individual effort, the Campbell women’s basketball team outlasted UNC Wilmington 67-61 in overtime on Tuesday afternoon at John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center.

The Fightin’ Camels, who led for nearly 37 minutes of regulation, saw a nine-point fourth-quarter advantage vanish under a furious Seahawks rally spearheaded by guard Rori Cox, only to dominate the extra period to secure the Colonial Athletic Association victory.

Campbell improved to 13-8 overall, while UNC Wilmington fell to 5-14.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded in the final minute of regulation. Trailing 53-50, UNC Wilmington’s Cox, who finished with a game-high 29 points, took over. She converted a driving layup while being fouled with 16 seconds remaining. After missing the ensuing free throw, the Seahawks retained possession on a held ball. Cox then buried a deep 3-pointer from the top of the key with three seconds left, tying the game at 53 and completing a stunning personal 5-0 run to force overtime.

The Fightin’ Camels, however, shook off the collapse by controlling the overtime from the outset. They scored the first five points and never trailed, holding UNC Wilmington to just two field goals in the extra session. Campbell’s defense, which blocked 13 shots in the game, tightened further, and the team capitalized at the free-throw line, making 6 of 8 attempts in overtime.

Campbell’s victory was a product of balanced scoring and formidable interior defense. Olivia Tucker led the Camels with 18 points and five assists. Jasmine Felton, despite a modest scoring afternoon of 10 points, filled the stat sheet with eight rebounds, three assists and a career-high five blocks, anchoring the defensive effort. Gianni Boone added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Jasmine Nivar and N’na Konate each contributed 10 points. Konate, the 6-foot-3 center from Switzerland, also grabbed nine rebounds and blocked three shots.

The Seahawks struggled offensively for long stretches, shooting just 34.3% from the field. Beyond Cox’s heroic 29-point, nine-rebound performance, only Mary Ferrito reached double figures with 13 points, fueled by three 3-pointers. UNC Wilmington’s offense often stalled against Campbell’s length, resulting in an offensive rating of just 78.1 points per 100 possessions.

Campbell established control early, using a 10-0 run in the first quarter to build a 16-6 lead. The Camels maintained a multi-possession cushion for most of the game, leading 44-35 entering the fourth quarter. UNC Wilmington’s pressuring defense, which generated nine steals, finally sparked the comeback in the final period, setting the stage for Cox’s late-game heroics.

The overtime, however, belonged entirely to Campbell. After Corrie McLaughlin opened the scoring for the Seahawks, the Camels responded with a 3-pointer from Felton and two free throws from Konate. A 3-pointer by Ferrito kept UNC Wilmington close at 60-58, but Campbell answered with a critical 3-pointer from Hadleigh Dill and a layup from Felton to push the lead to seven with under a minute to play, sealing the win.

The game was a defensive struggle, with both teams committing 12 turnovers. Campbell’s significant advantages came in assists, where they led 15-9, and most notably in blocked shots, where their 13-5 edge repeatedly disrupted UNC Wilmington’s offensive rhythm.

Campbell next travels to face William & Mary on Friday. UNC Wilmington returns home to host Hampton on Friday.