Junior Jessica Venturelli had a game-saving block at the end of regulation, as the Albright College women's basketball team went on to defeat host Lycoming 67-65 in overtime on Wednesday.

Albright had the ball in the final seconds of regulation tied at 59-all, but turned it over trying to set up a shot. Olivia Manges got behind the Lions' defense and was driving for the game-winning basket, but Venturelli came from the back to block the shot and send the game to overtime.

Shannon Thomas opened the overtime period with a three-pointer, and Venturelli hit Harris with a great pass to give Albright a 66-61 lead. Lycoming cut it to one after forcing several turnovers in the final minute, but the Warriors traveled with a chance to take back the lead and Kristi McFadden made one free throw at the other end for the final scoreline.

Venturelli played 44 minutes and finished with 10 points, five assists and four steals. Sophomore Kelecia Harris had a big day with 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, seven rebounds and four blocks.

Two other Lions were in double-figures, including a double-double from sophomore Kadijah Bishop (10 points, 11 rebounds). Classmate Emily O'Donnell added 10 points and seven boards.

Late last season in Williamsport with a playoff spot on the line, the Albright women took a 10-point halftime lead before losing their way offensively early in the second half of an eventual loss. The same story nearly unfolded tonight before the Red and White came up big at the end.

After trailing 9-2 early in the game, Albright finished the first half strong and led 35-25 at the break.

Trailing 11-5, Venturelli and O'Donnell each hit a pair of free throws for the Lions. Ali Derr hit a jumper to make it 13-10, but Harris completed a three-point play on the next possession to tie the game.

Thomas drained a three and Bishop scored in the paint on Albright's next two possessions, both off assists from Venturelli. Harris then scored on the fast break to put the Lions ahead 20-13.

O'Donnell's layup gave Albright a nine-point lead, 32-23. After a Jenna Morgan basket, Amanda Tiritilli put Albright up by 10 heading into halftime with a three-pointer.

Once again, Lycoming rallied early in the second half. The Warriors opened the period on a 16-4 run, tying it at 39-39 on two Nicole Calella free throws and taking a lead on Derr's jumper.

Albright finally responded, with O'Donnell scoring three straight points to retake the lead and then blocking Derr at the other end of the floor. After a Lyco basket O'Donnell chased down a missed three and was fouled, making both to again push the Lions ahead by a point.

Albright opened up a nine-point lead, 56-47, with 5:33 to play. Lycoming rallied however, tying it on Julia Antonelli's jumper with 13 seconds left in regulation.

Derr had 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting, while adding eight rebounds. Calella added 10 points and seven assists.

Albright improves to 10-6, 4-5, and is tied with Lycoming (7-8, 4-5) for sixth place in the Commonwealth Conference. The pair will trail tomorrow night's Widener-Messiah loser by one game for the final playoff spot, midway through the league schedule.