Women's Basketball 1/22/2008 12:00:00 AM

Bison defeat Trinity University in OT, 81-73

WASHINGTON, DC—The Bison took a break from conference play as they hosted the Trinity University (D.C.) Tigers at the Field House tonight. The Buff and Blue prevailed in overtime, 81-73.

Both teams were looking to pick up wins, and worked hard in keeping the game close for much of the first half. With the score in favor of the visitors 13-10, sophomore veteran Brittainy Payne took a pass from guard Priscilla Biskupiak and posted it, drawing a foul as well as earning a trip to the charity stripe. Payne drained the free shot to tie the game at 13-all.

The Tigers relied on shooting between the blocks to catch up to Gallaudet at the 2-minute mark, 24-24. Trinity would convert a Bison turnover in the final seconds of the half to take a one-point lead into the locker rooms, 28-27.

In the opening stanza, freshman Rachel Benedict paced the Buff and Blue with 10 points off 4-for-5 shooting and making both her free throws. Fellow first year teammate Nukeitra Hayes posted 9 points, had 2 assists, 1 block and 2 steals. Ashley West had 10 points to lead the Tigers, backed up by Danielle Owens' 8 points and 7 rebounds. Both Bison guard Priscilla Biskupiak and Tiger Danielle Pettis each had three assists.

When play resumed, the second half saw a continuous battle as the Tigers stayed on top with Gallaudet always in reach. Brittainy Payne was fouled and tied the game with a free throw 63-63.

Nukeitra Hayes committed a foul that sent Tiger Morgan Kellman to the line. Kellman made one of her two shots to put the Tigers on top 64-63.

Trinity's Danielle Owens fouled Nukeitra Hayes as Hayes was looking for an opening to take the final shot. With 0.3 seconds on the clock, Hayes went to the line for two free throws. After missing the first shot, she made the second to force overtime, 64-64.

In overtime, the Bison jumped ahead on a 10-2 run, making the score 76-66. The eventual final score was a result of Gallaudet's tenacious defense and patience in executing an offense in the gaps between the Tigers' full-court press.

For the visitors, Preshuse Jackson led with 26 points, followed By Ashley West's 16 and Danielle Pettis' 13. Pettis also had a team-high 6 assists. Danielle Owens finished with a double-double, 10 points and 13 rebounds.

Gallaudet had four players finish in double figures, with Hayes having a game-high double-double, 32 points and 13 rebounds. She also had 5 assists, a block and 3 steals.

Payne was three assists shy of a triple-double, posting 15 points, pulling down 17 boards and dishing a game-high 7 assists. Guard Kari Olney finished with 13 points, and freshman Rachel Benedict had 12 points, 3 assists. Priscilla Biskupiak put up 8 points and 5 assists.

The Bison (2-12, 0-8 CAC) resume conference play as they take on Marymount University on Saturday, January 26 at Marymount. Tip time is set for 2:00 p.m.