AMERICUS, Ga. - After rallying to force overtime, the Columbus State University women's basketball team scored 16 points in the extra period to grab a 73-63 win over Georgia Southwestern University Wednesday evening inside Storm Dome.

The win over the Peach Belt Conference leaders was crucial for the Lady Cougars (14-11, 7-8 PBC) as CSU continues to fight for postseason positioning.

"What can I say about this group," commented head coach Matt Houser. "This was a heck of a win tonight against a team that has been playing outstanding, and I couldn't be happier for them.

"We just have to keep this going and continue to grow as a team. I can't wait to see us in action against North Georgia on Saturday." 

The Lady Cougars and Hurricanes were neck-and-neck throughout the game. After a slow start by each team, Columbus State ended the half on top 30-27 as Olonna Rawls laid one in to put the Lady Cougars on top. The two sides exchanged runs in the second quarter to stay at each other's pace. 

Coming back from halftime, Georgia Southwestern outscored CSU 16-13 in the third quarter, tying the game at 43 going into the fourth as the Lady Cougar offense went cold. Columbus State was just 3-for-14 from the floor over the period.

GSW (21-4, 13-3) was in position to close out the Lady Cougars late in the fourth, holding a 57-53 lead after Kayla Langley made a pair of free throws with 2:54 to go. However, CSU's defense stepped up, holding the Hurricanes scoreless for the remainder of regulation.

Imani Arnold made the tying shot on a driving layup attempt with 12 seconds to go following a clutch offensive rebound by Chrisalyn Boston. 

Columbus State carried the momentum into overtime. After GSW got up 61-59, Boston tied the game with a layup before an acrobatic layup by Amber Abusbeih put CSU on top. A few seconds later, Arnold capped off a 3-point play with a free throw to swing the game to Columbus State. CSU iced the game from the free throw line from there, going 5-for-6 over the final minute. 

Boston recorded her ninth double-double of the season, scoring 15 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. The reigning PBC Player of the Week has a double-double in three straight games for CSU.

Abusbeih led the team in scoring with 16 points, while Emilia Tenbrock (13) and Arnold (12) also had good scoring nights.

Columbus State will play its final home game of the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 1:30 p.m. against No. 14 University of North Georgia in the Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. Center.