Feb. 1, 2009

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PITTSBURGH - Kristi Little scored a game-high 21 points as the Duquesne women's basketball team defeated Richmond 59-55 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at the Palumbo Center.

The game, which was aired nationally on CBS College Sports, snapped the Dukes three-game losing streak and improved their record to 12-9 overall and 2-4 in the Atlantic 10 Conference. The Spiders fell to 16-6, 4-3.

Richmond got a hoop from Nikita Thomas with 25 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the score at 53-53. Duquesne set Little up for the game-winner at the horn, but her shot rimmed out sending the game into overtime.

The Dukes struck first in the extra period as Little found an open Kelly Britcher for a layup at the 3:50 mark. The Spiders answered 1:40 later on a Crystal Goring layup. On a similar play, Little dished to Britcher with 90 seconds left to give DU a 57-55 advantage.

With eight seconds left, UR's Abby Oliver missed a jumper that was rebounded by Alex Gensler. She found Little who passed the length of the court to find a wide open Rachel Frederick for a layup as time expired.

Little, who was held to just two points in the first half was 8-for-15 in the second half for 19 points. She added a game-best four assists and three steals.

"Kristi found a way to make things happen for us," said head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio. "She helped us turn the corner in the second half."

DU, which got 13 points from Samantha Pollino and 12 from Gensler, shot 16-of-30 (53.3 percent) in the second half after making only 5-of-23 and scoring only 15 points in the first half.

The Spiders were without leading scorer Brittany Shells who was scratched due to an injury.

The Dukes complete their three-game home stand Wednesday night when Saint Joseph's visits the Palumbo Center. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m.

"This win feels great," added McConnell-Serio. "I am so proud of their effort."

GAME NOTES

• Samantha Thompson made her first start of the season
  
• The teams combined for 59 turnovers
  
• The Dukes have won two-of-three against the Spiders
  
• Duquesne's 15 points in the first half was a season-low