Staff report

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. — Catawba’s women’s basketball team lost in overtime at Tusculum on Saturday afternoon.

Tusculum won the South Atlantic Conference contest, 72-64.

It was 62-all after regulation.

Whistles were the biggest issue for the Indians. Post player Keyotta Garris fouled out, along with guards Madi Hallman and Shemya Stanback.

“We lost both of our point guards to fouls, and it’s tough to win in OT without one,” Catawba coach Terrence Baxter said.

The foul disparity was huge. Catawba was called for 28 fouls. The Pioneers won the game at the foul line, making 24 of 38 free throws. Catawba shot 10-for-15 from the foul line.

It was an even first half. Catawba led 31-30 at the break.

Tusculum began a parade to the foul line in the third quarter and took a 52-47 lead.

Catawba was down 55-49 in the fourth quarter when Taisha DeShazo scored five straight points to get the Indians within 55-54. Mercedes Wampler tied the game at 56-all with a layup with 4:47 left.

DeShazo and Hallman hit clutch 3-pointers down the stretch, as the Indians took a 62-61 lead with 48 seconds left.

Tusculum made a tying free throw with 25 seconds left.

Tusculum got a quick start in the overtime period with a 3-pointer by Yolizma Carpenter and the Indians never caught up.

Guard Mia Long scored 23 points and post player Kendrea Duke had 16 points (10 free throws) and 13 boards to lead the Pioneers (13-5, 6-5).

DeShazo led the Indians (10-8, 5-6) with 15 points. Stanback scored 12, while Wampler had 10.

Catawba shot a respectable 41 percent from the field.

“Our bench gave us a chance to win,” Baxter said. “Garris, Wampler, Emily Phillips — they’ve been major the last four games.”

CATAWBA (64) — DeShazo 15, Stanback 12, Wampler 10,  Webb 6, Hallman 6, Garris 5, Gardner 5, Phillips 3, Barnes 2.

TUSCULUM (72) — Long 23, Duke 16, Patteson 14, Cupida 11, Williams 4, Rodrgiues 3, Arnwine 1.

Catawba     17   14  16    15  2  — 64

Tusculum  20  10  22   10 10 —72