LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — In a tense, physical rematch decided at the free-throw line, the Oregon State Beavers avenged a recent overtime loss by holding off the Loyola Marymount Lions 73-67 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Monday afternoon at Orleans Arena.

The contest, played before a crowd of 1,905, was a grind from the outset, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. It transformed into a dramatic foul-shooting contest in the final minutes, with Oregon State’s Jenna Villa and Ally Schimel providing the crucial composure to seal the victory.

Oregon State improved to 23-10 overall, while Loyola Marymount moved to 21-9.

The most critical phase of the game unfolded in the fourth quarter. After trailing for much of the afternoon, Loyola Marymount mounted a fierce comeback, cutting a deficit that had been as large as 11 points down to just two possessions in the final minute. The Lions’ pressure forced Oregon State into several late turnovers, setting up a frantic finish.

With 21 seconds remaining and Oregon State leading 67-65, Lions guard Jess Lawson, who had a game-high 25 points, drove for a potential tying layup but missed. She secured her own rebound and scored to make it 67-67, setting the stage for the decisive sequence.

On the ensuing inbound, Loyola Marymount’s Andjela Matic fouled Oregon State’s Jenna Villa, sending the sophomore from Arlington, Washington, to the line with six seconds left. Villa, who finished with 22 points, calmly sank both free throws to restore a two-point lead for the Beavers.

Loyola Marymount called a timeout to advance the ball, but Matic’s desperation three-point attempt from the corner missed badly. Villa was again fouled on the rebound and made two more free throws with two seconds left to provide the final margin.

The game was a stark contrast to the teams’ meeting just 10 days prior, when Loyola Marymount escaped Corvallis, Oregon, with a 71-69 overtime win. This time, Oregon State ensured there would be no extra period by dominating the final quarter, scoring 28 points, and converting 14 of 18 free-throw attempts in the period alone.

The first half was a defensive struggle, with both teams combining for more turnovers than made field goals at times. Oregon State led 13-13 after a first quarter marked by missed shots and turnovers. The Beavers managed a slight 32-31 edge at halftime, thanks primarily to the outside shooting of Ally Schimel, who hit three first-half three-pointers on her way to 21 points.

Loyola Marymount relied on the interior presence of Maya Hernandez, who scored 11 points and recorded three blocks, and the scoring punch of Lawson. The Lions capitalized on Oregon State’s mistakes, scoring 17 points off turnovers compared to just eight for the Beavers, and outscored Oregon State 32-26 in the paint.

Oregon State began to create separation in the third quarter, building a 45-43 lead heading into the fourth. The Beavers’ offense finally found a consistent gear in the final period, with Villa scoring 10 of her points and Schimel adding seven. Point guard Kennedie Shuler facilitated the attack, dishing out seven assists.

Loyola Marymount’s Paula Reus Piza provided a key spark off the bench with 11 points and four assists, while Allison Clarke added 10 points. But the Lions’ shooting woes, particularly from three-point range, and their inability to secure key defensive rebounds in the final minutes proved costly.

The win gives Oregon State momentum and a measure of revenge as both teams look ahead to postseason play. The game was a defensive battle for 39 minutes, but ultimately, Oregon State’s precision from the charity stripe in the game’s most pressurized moments made the difference.