SAVANNAH, Ga.—Fort Valley State University Women's Basketball (2-11, 2-9 SIAC) brought home a thrilling 74-72 overtime victory at Savannah State University (6-5, 5-5 SIAC) Thursday evening.

The Wildcats struck first, capitalizing on a Savannah State turnover for an early 2-0 lead on an India McIntosh layup. SSU responded with 10 unanswered points to take a 10-2 advantage before another India McIntosh layup halted the run and sparked a 14-point surge for FVSU to claim a 16-10 lead. Savannah State scored twice to close the period, sending the Wildcats into the second quarter ahead 16-14.

Aaniyah Allen opened the second quarter with a layup to extend the lead to 18-14, and the teams traded baskets for much of the frame with FVSU maintaining control. Grace East closed the quarter with a pair of made free throws to send the Wildcats to halftime leading 34-27.

Aaniyah Allen again opened a quarter with a big bucket, knocking down a three to extend the lead to 10 to start the third. Savannah State battled back and tied the game at 45 with just under two minutes remaining, but Marley Bell answered with a layup to regain the lead. Aaniyah Allen added another late layup to push the advantage to five as FVSU carried a 50-45 lead into the fourth.

Savannah State continued to battle in the final frame, tying the contest at 55 on a three-pointer and taking its first lead since the opening quarter moments later. Marley Bell responded with a three to swing momentum back to FVSU, but the Tigers forced ties three times down the stretch, sending the game into overtime locked at 65.

Savannah State struck first in the extra period with back-to-back layups for a 69-65 lead. Makayla Arnold cut the deficit to two with a layup, then knocked down three straight free throws to push FVSU ahead 70-69. SSU briefly regained the lead, 72-70, before Aaniyah Allen sealed the game with back-to-back layups to deliver the 74-72 Wildcat victory.

FVSU had three players in double figures. Aaniyah Allen led the offense with 27 points, shooting 10 field goals and going 6-for-8 at the line. Madisyn Ogburn and Marley Bell added 11 points each, with Madisyn Ogburn shooting 3-for-6 from deep and a perfect 2-for-2 from the stripe. Marley Bell finished with three field goals, went 4-for-5 at the line, grabbed eight rebounds, and led the team with three blocks.

India McIntosh anchored the glass with nine rebounds to go along with nine points on a 4-for-6 shooting night. Grace East added six rebounds, while she and Aaniyah Allen shared the team lead with four assists each.

The Wildcats return to action on the road at Edward Waters University on Saturday, Jan. 10, for a 2 p.m. tipoff.