JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Catawba center Dana Hicks (York, S.C.) tallied game-highs with 26 points and 18 rebounds as the Lady Indians (13-6, 6-2 SAC) defeated twelfth-ranked Carson-Newman (16-2, 6-2 SAC) by a 75-66 score in overtime Wednesday at Holt Fieldhouse. With the win, Catawba moves into a four-way tie with C-N, Lenoir-Rhyne and Newberry atop the South Atlantic Conference standings.

“They did a good job executing and we didn’t respond at all,” said Head Coach Dean Walsh after the game. “There was no fight in us tonight. Our effort and focus was horrendous. We shot poorly due to our lack of focus and we didn’t go along with the scouting report on their key players.”

With the score tied at nine at the 15:39 mark in the first half, Catawba went on a 12-0 run to take a 21-9 lead. The Lady Eagles would go on an 11-0 run over the final 4:17 of the first half to close the Lady Indians’ lead to 33-31 at the intermission.

After C-N tied the game at 35 early in the second half, Catawba went on a 12-2 run to take a 10-point lead with 14:31 left in the contest. The Lady Eagles tied the contest at 53 and then a 59 to force overtime.

In the extra period, the Lady Indians went 12-for-12 from the free throw line as they outscored Carson-Newman 16-7 for the 75-66 victory.

Catawba was led by Hicks with 26 points and 18 rebounds, as she shot 8-for-13 from the floor and was a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. Nisha Long (Dallas, N.C.) and Milica Ivanovic (Belgrade, SERBIA) tallied 16 and 12 points, respectively as well for the Lady Indians.

Lady Eagle senior forward Shari Buford (Hampton, Ga.) had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds and added seven blocks while senior guard Ashley Kyle (Jefferson City, Tenn.) had 18 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

“Tomorrow will be a gut-check practice and we will see who wants to travel with us Saturday,” added Walsh. “We have to be ready to play against Newberry or we’re going to go on a three-game losing streak.”

Carson-Newman will look to get back on track Saturday as it travels to Newberry to face the scarlet and gray in SAC action. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m., at Eleazer Arena.