The women’s basketball team’s matchup against the Mercyhurst University Lakers had all the energy of a playoff game, but the Chargers came up just short in an 81-75 overtime loss.
New Haven controlled the pace early and looked comfortable on both ends of the floor. The Chargers moved the ball well, attacked the paint and built a small halftime edge behind tough defense and strong rebounding. But Mercyhurst chipped away in the second half, knocking down timely outside shots and forcing extra possessions to keep things close.
When the fourth quarter tightened up, neither side could create much separation. The Lakers eventually forced overtime, where they capitalized on free throws and second-chance opportunities to seal the win.
Aniya McDonald-Perry, who previously won NEC Player of the Week, carried the offense and poured in 25 points while filling the stat sheet with six rebounds, four assists and four blocks. McDonald-Perry snatched two steals to go along with her impressive night, further cementing herself as the NEC steals per game stat leader. Lindsay Hogan added 16 points and five boards and Addisen Sulikowski chipped in 14 points with seven rebounds, but New Haven struggled to match Mercyhurst’s late scoring run in the extra period.
“We played hard and first half was one of our better halves against a good Mercyhurst team. They shot unreal second half,” said head coach Debbie Buff, following the contest.
Despite the loss, the effort and physicality stood out. The Chargers battled for every possession and kept it competitive from start to finish, even if the final minutes didn’t fall their way.
Two days later, the script flipped.
On Senior Day, New Haven responded with grit and heart, defeating the Saint Francis University Friars 57-56 in a game that came down to the final possession.
The Chargers honored their seniors McDonald-Perry and Hogan during pregame, then played like they weren’t ready to let the day end in anything but a win. The contest stayed tight the entire way, with multiple lead changes and neither team leading by more than a few baskets. Every rebound and loose ball felt huge.
Late in the fourth, with the score tied and the clock winding down, Hogan stepped up in the biggest moment. The senior calmly knocked down the go-ahead bucket in the closing seconds, sending the crowd into a frenzy and giving New Haven the one-point edge they needed.
It was a fitting finish for a veteran leader who had already contributed across the board throughout the game. McDonald-Perry again provided steady scoring and interior presence, while the Chargers’ defense forced key stops late to preserve the lead.
The win moved New Haven back to .500 in NEC play, showing resilience after the tough overtime loss earlier in the week. The Chargers now have an overall record of 7-14 and 5-5 in conference play. New Haven will host the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks on Thursday. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. in The Hazell Center. For more information about the Chargers’ season, visit NewHavenChargers.com.
