GADSDEN, Ala. - Coastal Alabama - South Women's Basketball opened ACCC Division I play with a hard-fought, heartbreaking 88-78 overtime loss at Gadsden State (Ala.) on Thursday night, Jan. 15, snapping a six-game winning streak in the process. The Coyotes battled back after trailing for much of the first half, using a strong second-half surge to force overtime, but Gadsden State pulled away in the extra period with a 17-point overtime frame to seal the win.

Coastal - South begins conference action 0-1, while the overall record on the season falls to 12-3.

Caves Continues Hot Shooting

Just one week after recording a new career-high in points scored, reigning ACCC D-I Women's Basketball Player of the Week Tyra Caves led all scorers with a new career-high 32 points, shooting an efficient 13-of-21 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. Caves also added four assists, two rebounds, and two steals in the effort.

Coastal - South struggled early offensively, falling behind 39-24 at halftime, but responded with a dominant third quarter, outscoring Gadsden State 27-14 to get back into the game. The Coyotes continued the momentum in the fourth quarter, holding the hosts to 18 points before tying the game and eventually grabbing the lead in the closing minutes. However, Gadsden State managed to hit a couple of clutch shots late in the final minute of regulation to tie the game once more and force overtime. 

In overtime, the Cardinals ran away with the contest, outscoring Coastal - South 17-7 in the added five minutes. Despite shooting 48.4% from the field, 42.1% from beyond the arc for three, and a perfect 10-for-10 at the free-throw line, Coastal - South could not overcome a cold overtime stretch as Gadsden State seized control in the extra session. The overtime game for the 'Yotes is the first played this season.

Brooklyn Phillips chipped in 13 points to follow Caves' career-best performance, knocking down three three-pointers, while Shakira Williams added 10 points off the bench. The Coyotes managed 31 rebounds, 14 steals, and 13 assists in the defeat.

Back Home at the Jack

Coastal - South Women's Basketball is set to return home to Jack Robertson Arena in Bay Minette, Ala. for the next game on the schedule, hosting Lawson State (Ala.) in an ACCC Conference game on Monday evening, Jan. 19. Monday's game is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 p.m. CT and is the first of two meetings this season between the 'Yotes and Lawson State.
 

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