By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Cincinnati, OH---The No. 6 Express women led No. 2 Cincinnati State 69-58 with 7:41 remaining in the second half, but the Surge would rally and win in OT 86-77.

Prior to that, the Express controlled most of the game. They trailed only twice in the first half, both times by only a point. They pushed their largest lead of the first half to 10 multiple times. With a few seconds left in the first half, the Express got a three pointer from Uniqua Mitchell to take a 10 point lead into the break.

The second half lead would stay with Owens, and they wouldn't lose it until 30 seconds remaining when Asia Dillingham hit a running jumper from the left of the lane to tie the game. The Express then attempted to take the lead with a three from Aja Hall, but it rimmed out and the Surge rebounded. Then, with 0.6 seconds left, Cincinnati State's DeDe Henry was fouled attempting a three.

However, Henry missed all three free throw attempts, Kieona Foster rebounded the ball, and the game went to OT. However, following Hailey Galvan's jumper to tie it with four minutes remaining, Cincinnati State controlled the rest of the game.

Hall led the Express in scoring with 16, while adding seven rebounds and two assists. Emma-Jean Ricketts and Mitchell each added 12 points, while Foster had 10 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, two steals and one block.

Hall now has 982 career points and is close to becoming only the second Express women's basketball player with 1,000 career points.

Hailey Galvan, who had five blocks, is now one block short of tying the single season held by Brittany Darling (2009-10), who had 127.

Dillingham and Kanesha McClean each had 16 to lead the Surge, who are now 26-1 (10-0 OCCAC). Brittiney Latimer added 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Dominique Fischer had 14. Taylor Frazier was the final Surge player in double figures with 13 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks.

The Express finished 34-for-78 from the field overall, 5-for-14 from three point range and 4-for-13 from the foul line. Cincinnati State finished 31-for-85 from the field, 2-for-10 from three point range and 22-for-39 from the foul line.

Owens outrebounded Cincinnati State 57-55 and outscored them 52-50 in the paint, but the Surge held a 28-16 advantage in second chance points. The Surge also won the turnover battle as they had 14 compared to 30 for Owens.

It is the second time Cincinnati State has defeated Owens in OT this year. With the win, the Surge clinched at least a share of the OCCAC title.

The Express are now 24-5 overall and 9-2 in the OCCAC. They will take on Edison State in Piqua, OH on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.