SALEM, Ore. – On the second night of its weekend series and with just seven players available, the Corban University women's basketball team turned in an inspiring effort in a 76-70 overtime win over Warner Pacific University on Saturday evening.  

"The squad showed unbelievable grit and resilience tonight," said head coach Bill Pilgeram. "Every player stepped up above and beyond what they have done before. Playing 35-40 minutes on a second night with the physical and mental adversity we have faced is incredible; and then, to go out and take the win in overtime—wow!"

CLICK HERE to watch Pilgeram's post-game interview.

For the second-straight night, the Warriors stormed out of the gates with a strong first-quarter performance, taking a three-point advantage into the second period. That energy continued into the early portion of the second quarter, as the Navy and Gold expanded on its lead and took a six-point margin into the locker room.

The first half closed on a frustrating note for the Navy and Gold, however, as an off-balance basket from Keila Tsutsui in the second quarter's final seconds appeared to fall and result in an and-one opportunity. Instead, the call was reversed and deemed a charge, giving the visitors a chance to grab a late bucket of their own. The Knights drew a foul on the other end of the floor, eventually tacking on two late points from the charity stripe to make it a 35-29 game at the half.

Unfortunately for the Navy and Gold, Warner Pacific continued that momentum in the second half, opening up the third quarter on a 16-4 run to claim the lead.

It was an eight-point Knight advantage heading into the final period, and the visitor's lead was as large as 12 in the final stanza; the stubborn Warriors battled all the way back to tie it with just under two minutes left, courtesy of a clutch jumper from Kaci Paffhausen. Corban had an opportunity for a game-winner with a couple seconds left, but a last-second prayer from Gemma LaVergne rattled off the front side of the rim as regulation expired.

Competing in overtime for the first time all season, the seven available Warrior players dug deep to grab a lead. With exhaustion evident across Corban's shorthanded roster, pivotal defensive stops and stellar offensive execution down the stretch—which included clutch free throws with under a minute left from LaVergne and Paffhausen—aided the squad in its attempt to outlast the visitors.

A steal and breakaway layup from Gracie McCoy sealed the deal with 17 seconds left, putting the finishing touches on an exhilarating win for the Navy and Gold.

"You could really see the team come together and battle for stops down the stretch and in overtime," Pilgeram said about his squad's determination.

For the second-straight night, Madison Hodnett registered a double-double, ending the day with 21 points and 15 boards, both of which were career highs for the freshman. Senior Paffhausen turned in the best performance of her career, dropping 14 points and snatching up 18 rebounds down low.

To hear Paffhausen's thoughts after the nail-biter, CLICK HERE.

Warrior guards LaVergne (18 PTS, 7 REB) and McCoy (13 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST) were exceptional in the back court, and Alyssa Wyllie added nine points to the impressive all-around team effort.

"Our balance on offense, with almost five players in double figures, was huge," Pilgeram added. "Maddie [Hodnett] and Kaci rebounding like they did—with our entire team out-rebounding Warner Pacific 62-47—was the difference."

For Warner Pacific, Hannah Myers (15 PTS, 8 REB, 7 AST), Lynden Harry (14 PTS, 4 AST), and Courtney Jackson (11 PTS) all reached double figures in the marathon defeat.

Corban (4-17, 3-11 CCC) will be back on the road next weekend, traveling east for battles with College of Idaho on Friday, January 28 and Eastern Oregon University on Saturday, January 29. Game time for the contest with the Yotes is slated for 5:30 p.m. MT, and tip-off for the following night against the Mounties is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT.