SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts - The American International College women's basketball team lost the ultimate heartbreaker, conceding a half-court shot with no time left to fall 88-85 in overtime to Northeast-10 Conference foe Southern Connecticut State University on Saturday, January 11.

AIC is now 9-7 overall and 2-6 in the NE10.

The Yellow Jackets needed a buzzer beater of their own to force OT. Down 78-76 after the Owls scored with five seconds left in regulation, AIC was able to get the ball inbounds and to Chelsea Reeves, who nailed a midrange jumper from the left side of the court to tie the game as time expired.

Reeves then started AIC out strong, finding Ahliya Phillips on a through pass that Phillips was able to lay in through contact. The junior knocked down the free throw for an old-school three. However, the Owls scored the next five points to regain the advantage before Keyvanna Bennett drained a pair of free throws to re-tie the score. Lyzi Litwinko then connected on a shot with 22 seconds left for a two-point Owls lead. On the next possession, AIC drove inside, and Reeves drew a blocking foul. She put home both free throws to tie the game. The Owls had the last possession and Litwinko took the ball to the right side of the center line and fired a desperation heave that found the net, ending the game in stunning fashion in Southern Connecticut's favor. 

Southern Connecticut needed the miracle in a game that at one point looked like it would be a blowout. The Owls outscored AIC 43-30 in the first half, but Reeves helped AIC get back in it with a 15-point third quarter, and 10 more from her in the fourth, including the tying shot, brought the Yellow Jackets all the way back. Ultimately, Reeves led the game with 29 points, while Ruzgar Christina Boyle scored 24. Reeves also led the game with eight rebounds; she and Rhaymi Porter each dished five assists, and Porter added seven boards and three blocks. Bennett also knocked in 12 points with six rebounds.

AIC next faces Assumption University on Tuesday, January 14 at 5:30 p.m.