ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. - The Columbus State University women's basketball team outscored Flagler 17-8 in overtime to pull out an 84-75 road victory on Saturday. The Peach Belt Conference game took place inside Flagler Gym in St. Augustine, Fla.

The Lady Cougars (16-6, 11-5 PBC) found themselves in a bad spot late in the game. After entering the final period of play up four (51-47), a 12-2 run by the Saints quickly turned the tied. Tori Pearce connected on two 3-pointers for FC while scoring eight of the 12 points during the run to put CSU down six (59-53).

With less than five to go, Kaihla Carter found the clutch gene from beyond the arc to help keep Columbus State alive. The senior hit two 3-pointers late in the game, including one that put the Lady Cougars in front 65-64 at the 2:40 mark.

On the following possession, Flagler (6-16, 4-12) answered with a three of their own to regain a 67-65 lead and had chances to extend it further out on the next few trips down the floor. However, the Saints failed to do so, keeping CSU's hopes alive.

Columbus State made Flagler pay. Continuing her great play down the stretch, Carter swiped a pass before Aryan Dozier tied the score at 67 with a layup. Both teams had looks for the game-winner, but neither were successful.

Early in the extra period, six straight points gave Columbus State the breathing room it needed. Down by one, Dozier went 2-for-2 at the line to flip-flop the Lady Cougars back on top. Two fastbreak layups, one by Carter and the other by Dozier, quickly gave CSU a 73-68 lead with less than three to go.

N'Mya Pierce pulled Flagler within three (75-72), but four straight points by Eboni Williams gave CSU a comfortable 79-72 lead with less than a minute to go. Columbus State would hit its final five free throws to clinch the win.

"The team just found a way to grind this one out," commented head coach Matt Houser. "At the point of the year, everyone is banged up, and to play our best ball in overtime, was great to see. It showed how much determination these girls have to be winners."

"We need to carry the momentum back home with us. Clayton State is always a tough matchup, and I'm sure they will be looking for revenge after we took them down at their place."

Four lead changes occurred in a tight opening period. Late jumpers by Rayven Wade in the first helped the Saints take a 16-12 lead into the second. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Kierra Crane put the Lady Cougars down 22-14 early before the Saints would go up 10 (28-18). However, a furious rally kept CSU in the game.

Ten straight points, including four from Dozier, tied the score with less than three to play until halftime. FC finally broke out of the slump, but it was too late to hold off the Lady Cougars from taking the lead, as jumpers from Williams and Aujuana Dawkins gave CSU a 35-34 halftime edge.

The third was very similar to the first as the two sides continued to battle. Four more lead changes occurred during the 10 minutes with Flagler looking to be in good position to enter the fourth holding a lead. However, the Lady Cougars scored the final six points of the period to go in front by four (51-47) to set up the fourth-quarter drama.

In the game, Carter scored a career-high 22 points, thanks in part to a 3-for-5 shooting performance from beyond the arc. She filled the stat sheet with seven assists, five steals, and five rebounds. 

Four other players were in double-figures in scoring with Dawkins recording yet another double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. It was the eighth of the season for the junior. 

Overall, the Lady Cougars shot 38.8 percent (31-for-80) and were 4-for-12 from three. At the line, CSU posted a 69.2 percent (18-for-26) mark. 

Up Next

Columbus State will host in-state rivals Clayton State on Wednesday, Feb. 17  inside the Lumpkin Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Lady Cougar Notes & Trends

• Joining Carter and Dawkins in double-figures were Dozier (15), LeeAysia Williamson (10), and Williams (10). 
• Carter's seven assists tied a season-high from any Lady Cougar this year. Williamson also dished out seven against Albany State in the opening weekend of the season.
• Despite being 2-for-10 entering the fourth from three, Columbus State was a perfect 2-for-2 from distance in the fourth.
• Carter played the entire game totaling 45 minutes of action.
• In two games against Flagler, CSU's defense tallied 35 steals. The Lady Cougars had 17 on Saturday. 
• Columbus State forced 26 turnovers leading to 31 points. Flagler only had 16 points off CSU's turnovers.
• It was Columbus State's first overtime win since Feb. 2, 2019, when defeating Clayton State 76-71 in Columbus.
• The Lady Cougars improve to 14-4 all-time against Flagler.