NEW LONDON, Conn. – The Connecticut College women's basketball team needed overtime to pull out a 58-56 victory over Clark University on Tuesday afternoon in non-conference action at Luce Field House.

Hayle Thompson (Maynard, Mass.) dropped in the go-ahead bucket with 1.2 seconds to go in the extra frame, and Conn's defense didn't allow a shot on Clark's final possession.
Thompson finished with nine points and nine rebounds while the backcourt of Sofia Tavarez (Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.) and Valeria Santiago Dedós (Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico) combined for 23 points, with the latter netting all 11 of her points after intermission.  

Clark, which led 22-19 after a turnover-laden first half, took its largest lead at 28-21 less than three minutes into the third quarter. The Camels responded with a 7-0 run to pull even, a spurt that included layups by Thompson and Tavarez and a three from Dedos.

Conn took its first lead of the half when Mia Xerras (Charlotte, N.C.) splashed a three with 2:48 to go in the third. However, Mia Mabanag put Clark back on top with a trey to make it a 37-36 game heading into the fourth.

The Camels didn't lead again until a pair of Tavarez free throws provided a 47-46 edge with 3:58 remaining in regulation. After the Cougars pulled in front by one, Dedos laced a three to make it 50-48 with 1:40 to go. Catherine Antwi eventually evened the score at 50-50, and Conn failed to cash in on a pair of late free throws.

The Camels got off to a strong start in overtime, coming away with points on their first three possessions. Dedos's third three of the day provided a 56-50 cushion—Conn's largest lead of the game—with 3:31 to play in bonus time.

The Cougars didn't give in, fighting back to make it a one-possession game on a layup by Mabanag with 1:28 left. She then drilled a game-tying three with 27.2 seconds to go, setting the stage for Conn's final possession.

The Camels got the ball into the front court and put it in Tavarez's hands as the clock ticked down. The rookie drove to the top of the key and whipped a pass over two defenders to Thompson, who was wide open on the left block for an easy finish. 

Tavarez finished with a game-high five assists and also added three rebounds and three steals. 

Antwi scored a game-high 13 points to pace Clark (8-5 overall) while Kailey Rios and Mabanag chipped in 12 and 10, respectively.

Conn (8-4 overall) will next host Colby College on Friday, January 9 at 7:00 p.m.