CLEVELAND, Tenn. —The University of West Alabama Women's basketball team fell to the Lee Flames, 84-80, in a tightly contested matchup that extended into overtime at Paul Dana Walker Arena. 

The contest between UWA (9-9, 7-8 GSC) and Lee (15-5, 11-4 GSC) was tight for all 45 minutes, but 19 turnovers ultimately hurt the Tigers in their four-point loss.

The game opened with a technical foul on West Alabama, allowing Abby McFarland to score two free throws for the Flames. Callie Cowan got things started for West Alabama as the senior scored the first eight points for the Tigers in her first start since January 4. Cowan's offensive barrage made it an 8-8 game before Lee's Baylee Delbridge scored consecutive layups, assisted by Anna Muhonen. UWA regained the lead with free throws from Summer Hicks and Chardai Watkins. Haley Nichols closed the quarter with a crucial layup at the 27-second mark, giving the Tigers a 17-14 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter was characterized by a seesaw affair, with both teams exchanging leads. Nailah Mayes contributed significantly for West Alabama with a layup at 9:00, assisted by Shay Hunter, and later added a three-pointer at 5:46. Lee's Muhonen responded with a jumper at 6:50, bringing the score to a narrow margin. Despite UWA's efforts, the Flames managed to close the quarter with three-point play from Delbridge, leaving the score at 31-30 in favor of West Alabama as the period concluded.

The Tigers and the Flames played an evenly matched third quarter, each scoring 17 points. Early on, Libby Privett's three-pointer at the 9:21 mark gave Lee a brief lead. West Alabama's Bellah Machen responded effectively, hitting a jumper and a three-pointer, contributing to a 5-0 run that included a three-point play at 4:16. Haley Nichols added a layup at 2:01 to extend the lead. In the closing moments, Bailey Burgess narrowed the gap with a three-pointer for Lee at 00:19, but Shay Hunter's jumper at 00:36 secured a slim advantage for West Alabama heading into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter saw West Alabama and Lee locked in a tense battle, with momentum swinging between both teams. Shay Hunter opened the period with a jumper at 9:42, giving West Alabama an early lead. Machen extended that lead with a three-point play followed by a layup from Mayes, capping a 7-0 run to begin the quarter. Down 55-47, Lee's Privett kept her team in contention with consistent scoring, including a layup and free throws, contributing to Lee's comeback efforts. With just 22 seconds remaining, Mayes converted on a three-point play, pushing the Tigers ahead 68-66. However, Privett's layup with 12 seconds left tied the game at 68, sending the contest into overtime.

The overtime period was marked by intense action as the Flames secured an 84-80 victory over UWA. Despite a strong start with Muhonen's layup and a subsequent assist from Libby Privett, West Alabama tied the game at 70 with two free throws from Machen at 4:32. The teams continued to trade baskets until, Privett's layup with just eight seconds remaining gave Lee an 82-80 lead. McFarland sealed the win with two free throws in the final seconds.

 Mayes scored 19 points and converted six of seven free throws, demonstrating her efficiency at the line. Machen finished with 18 points, making six field goals and a perfect five free throws. Haley Nichols collected 14 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass, and added 15 points with a flawless performance at the free throw line. Cowan contributed with 12 points and recorded three steals, impacting both ends of the court.

West Alabama will return to Pruitt Hall on Thursday for a 5:30 p.m. matchup against Mississippi College.