LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — In a stunning reversal fueled by a dominant fourth-quarter surge, the Colorado State Rams erased a double-digit deficit to edge the Grand Canyon Antelopes 61-59 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Sunday at Michelob Ultra Arena.

The Rams, who entered the contest with a 25-7 record, trailed by as many as 11 points in the third quarter and faced a 44-36 deficit heading into the final period. The Antelopes, who fell to 13-19, had controlled the tempo for much of the afternoon, building their lead on the strength of a balanced attack and stout interior defense.

The narrative of the game shifted irrevocably in the fourth quarter. Colorado State unleashed a 25-point offensive explosion, nearly matching their total output from the entire first half. The Rams’ defensive intensity ramped up simultaneously, holding Grand Canyon to 15 points in the quarter and forcing critical turnovers down the stretch.

The most important sequence of the game, and the culmination of Colorado State’s comeback, occurred in the frantic final three seconds. With the score tied at 59, Grand Canyon’s Julianna LaMendola appeared to have delivered a heroic go-ahead basket, converting a layup with just two seconds remaining to send the Antelope bench into a frenzy.

Following a timeout, Colorado State executed a flawless inbounds play. Lexus Bargesser, who led all scorers with 19 points, received the pass and immediately found a cutting Madelyn Bragg near the basket. Bragg finished the layup as time expired, silencing the Grand Canyon celebration and securing the dramatic victory for the Rams.

The final play was a microcosm of the game’s closing minutes, where Colorado State’s poise and execution under pressure starkly contrasted with Grand Canyon’s struggles to close. The Antelopes, who had executed well for three quarters, were outscored 25-15 in the final frame and could not find a defensive stop when it mattered most.

Grand Canyon had established control early, leading 29-21 at halftime after holding Colorado State to just eight points in the second quarter. The Antelopes’ defense, anchored by Norah Moo’s two blocks, frustrated the Rams’ shooters. Offensively, Grand Canyon spread the scoring, with Chloe Mann contributing 12 points and four assists, Julianna LaMendola adding 13 points and four assists, and Sifa Joyeuse chipping in eight points.

Colorado State’s victory was a product of resilience and key performances. Alongside Bargesser’s game-high 19 points, Brooke Carlson and Kloe Froebe each added 15 points. Carlson played a game-high 39 minutes, while Froebe’s aggressive play included drawing several crucial fouls in the fourth quarter.

The win improved Colorado State’s record to 25-7 as they continue a successful season. Grand Canyon, despite the heartbreaking loss, showed significant fight against a favored opponent, continuing a late-season stretch of competitive play. The game drew an attendance of 1,545 to the neutral-site arena.

The contest defied some pregame expectations. While Colorado State was installed as a 7.5-point favorite, they failed to cover the spread. The combined score of 120 points also fell under the projected over/under line of 124.5, largely due to the defensive struggle in the first half. The Rams’ comeback victory validated their status as the higher-ranked team but followed a far more difficult path than anticipated.