IRVINE, Calif. - In a game that saw 11 ties and eight lead changes, the Concordia University Irvine women's basketball team fell short in an overtime loss to Dominican University, 82-78.

The Eagles held the lead for most of the second half, they would probably like to have to last 4:31 back as they squandered a 10 point lead and allowed the Penguins to force the game into overtime.  

With the game tied and less than thirty seconds left in regulation the Penguins had the ball and a chance to take the lead.  The Eagles would not let them get a good look, forcing the Penguins to take the fourth and final timeout. On the ensuing possession, sophomore guard Katie Timmerman stole the ball and immediately called timeout.  

Due to the new rule in women's college basketball, the Eagles were able to advance the ball into the front court.  With three seconds left they were set to inbound the ball with a chance to win the game. The Penguins had other ideas as they stole the inbounds pass and got a decent look from half court as the buzzer sounded.

Once in overtime the Penguins and Eagles went back and forth, the difference being the Penguins ability to hit the big shots while the Eagles suddenly found themselves with a lid on their basket.

While the final score was not the outcome that was desired, not all was lost for the Eagles.

Freshman point guard Lainie James continued her strong play, coming off the bench to lead the Eagles with 24 points, a new career high.  She shot 10-19 from the floor while shooting 50% from behind the arc (3-6). James also grabbed six boards, while doling out three assists, and picking up three blocks.  

"Tonight was a team loss," said James.  "We knew what we had to do defensively and got way too comfortable.  My team provided great passes to me when they were double teamed and it allowed me to produce for them.  We need to lock into these next games and keep fighting for the PacWest Tournament."

Not to be outdone, junior forward Michaela VanderKlugt recorded yet another double double, finishing with 19 points and 14 rebounds (eight offensive).

Junior forward Kennedy Fulcher was one point shy of a double double as she grabbed 11 rebounds (four offensive), finished with nine points, and had a game high five blocks.

Sophomore guard Jasmine Rachal, battling foul trouble all game, finished with 13 points, going a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line.  She also shelled out four assists.   

The Eagles have little time to focus on the negatives as they face Notre Dame de Namur on Thursday in the first game of a double header.  The women's game starts at 5:30 pm with the men's game following them at 7:30 pm.

For the full CUI women's basketball schedule please click here.