NEW YORK (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by critical plays in the final minute, the Le Moyne women’s basketball team secured a 54-47 victory over Wagner on Monday night at Spiro Sports Center to split the season series between the Northeast Conference rivals.

The Dolphins, who improved to 12-20 overall, used a decisive third-quarter surge and clutch free-throw shooting down the stretch to overcome the Seahawks, who fell to 13-17.

The game’s pivotal sequence unfolded in the final 45 seconds with Le Moyne clinging to a 48-46 lead. After a Wagner turnover, Le Moyne’s Sydney Postell sank a crucial 3-pointer from the wing, assisted by Sierra Linnin, to extend the advantage to five points with just under half a minute remaining. Wagner’s Irene Fernandez de Caleya was then called for a foul on Jessica Wangolo, who calmly made both free throws to push the lead to 53-46.

Wagner had a chance to answer, but a 3-point attempt by Klea Kaci missed. After a series of timeouts, Le Moyne’s Sierra Linnin was fouled and made one of two free throws with four seconds left to seal the outcome. Wagner’s Lijirin Doyinsola Modesayor made one final free throw for the Seahawks to provide the final margin.

The contest was a grind from the outset, with both teams struggling to find consistent offense. Le Moyne held a narrow 25-27 lead at halftime after a low-scoring first half. The Dolphins created separation in the third quarter, outscoring Wagner 18-9. Guard Eli Clark was instrumental in that run, scoring eight of her game-high 15 points in the period, including a 3-pointer that helped build a working margin the Dolphins would not relinquish.

Clark, a 5-foot-8 guard from Oakhurst, New Jersey, led all scorers with 15 points in 33 minutes. She was supported by Postell, who added nine points and played tenacious defense over 30 minutes, and Kayden Clark, who also chipped in nine points off the bench. Wangolo contributed eight points and was a force on the glass with multiple offensive rebounds.

Wagner was led by Fernandez de Caleya, who scored 13 points, and Modesayor, who recorded a double-double with 10 points and two blocks. Keana Foz distributed a game-high five assists for the Seahawks but was held to seven points on 3-of-12 shooting.

The defensive intensity was reflected in the shooting percentages, with both teams failing to reach 35 percent from the floor. The game featured 15 lead changes and was tied on eight occasions, but Le Moyne’s ability to execute in the half-court during the third quarter and under pressure in the final minute proved decisive.

The win gave Le Moyne a measure of revenge after falling to Wagner 59-45 on the same floor back in January. The Dolphins finished their season on a positive note, while the Seahawks will look to regroup after ending their campaign with two consecutive losses. An announced crowd of 498 at the Spiro Sports Center witnessed the tightly contested NEC finale.