Dixie State women's basketball closed a 18 point deficit to force the game into overtime before falling 74-72 to Sam Houston on Thursday night. 

How it happened: To start things off Maggie McCord cut back door and was found by Shanaijah Davison for an open layup for the first points of the game. Sam Houston then jumped out to an 11-7 lead before Dixie State went on a 7-3 run to bring the game within three. Talia Sireni hit a three to tie up the game at 15-15 with two minutes left in the first quarter. As the quarter ended, DSU trailed 20-15. 

The second quarter started slow for both teams as both teams only scored two points each in the first four minutes. The Trailblazers went on a three minute scoring drought and Sam Houston pushed out to a 10 point lead. As the first half ended, Dixie State trailed 36-25. 
 
Sam Houston captured the momentum in the third quarter and maintained the lead for a 55-39 score going into the fourth quarter. 

Dixie State held Sam Houston scoreless for seven minutes of the fourth quarter. During that time the Trailblazers went on a 13-0 run to bring the score within three. Sam Houston finally broke their drought but Dixie was right on its tail. Heading into the final two minutes of the game, DSU trailed by three. 

With 19 seconds left on the clock, Emily Isaacson hit a three pointer and drew foul converting a four point play to tie the game. After Sam Houston sunk a pair of free throws, Gillen drove to the hoop for two to tie it up. Sending the game into overtime tied at 64-64. 

The game remained tied throughout overtime with both teams matching each other point for point. With five seconds left, Sam Houston hit a layup to take the lead 74-72. Despite a strong attempt Dixie State couldn't capture the victory and the Bearkats walked away with the win. 

Leaders: Dixie State was led by Gillen and Isaacson who each dropped 15 points. Gillen led with nine assists and Isaacson recorded a double-double with 13 boards. Davison added 13 points for DSU while Averi Papa and Talia Sireni each had 10 points. 

Comparison: Dixie State ended the game shooting 38 percent from the field, 28 percent from the three and 60 percent from the free throw line. The Trailblazers totaled 48 rebounds, 17 assists, five steals and 21 turnovers. 

Sam Houston shot 36 percent from the field, 37 percent from the three and 68 percent from the free throw line. The Bearkats ended the game with 51 rebounds, six assists, nine steals and 15 turnovers.

Notes to Know: DSU is now 7-13 overall on the season and sit at 3-6 in WAC play. 

Up next: Dixie State will stay at the Burns Arena to host Stephen F. Austin (Feb. 5) before hitting the road to take on New Mexico State and Grand Canyon.