BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Seniors Bra'shey Ali and Bria Joyner-Williams combined for 49 points and 28 rebounds to lead the Thomas University women's basketball team in their 85-78 overtime victory over Coastal Georgia this evening on the road.
 
Thomas got out to a rough start allowing Coastal Georgia (3-1) to take a 22-14 lead in the first quarter of play.  The Lady Mariners jumped out to a quick 5-0 lead in the first 35 seconds of the game and built a seven point, 14-7 lead, midway through the opening period.
 
The Hunter Green and White powered back in the second quarter to cut into CCG's advantage, outscoring the Lady Mariners 15-11 to head into the intermission trailing the hosts 33-29.
 
The third quarter of action proved to be the fuel that fired up the Lady Night Hawks as they outscored the Lady Mariners 30-13.  Ali and Joyner-Williams, along with the shooting support of Ze'Nya Butler and key rebounds by Rayven Thomas, pushed Thomas to the 59-46 lead heading into the final period of play.
 
While the Lady Night Hawks held a 13 point advantage over Coastal Georgia, the Lady Mariners fought back to cut Thomas' lead to 61-59 with 6:44 left in regulation.  CCG's 13-2 run placed them within striking distance as both squads headed into the final minute of play.  Coastal Georgia would tie the game at 70-70 when Kaci Palo swished a three from the left side of the arch with 57 ticks left on the clock.
 
Thomas had multiple opportunities down the stretch to close out the game but came up short missing free-throws and an open jumper at the top of the key.  With two seconds left in regulation, Coastal Georgia threw up a prayer but missed sending the game into overtime.
 
Head coach Coretta Brown regrouped her squad during the break as Thomas went on to outscore the Lady Mariners 15-8 in the extra period.
 
Thomas' Ali (30 pts., 17 rebs.) recorded her third double-double of the season while Joyner-Williams (19 pts., 11 rebs.) picked up her second.  Both Butler and Rayven Thomas narrowly missed their first double-doubles of the season netting 10 points, eight rebounds and nine points, 10 rebounds, respectively.
 
Brown reflected on her team's victory, "I'm pleased with the progression we are showing.  We never stop fighting or believing.  Still some 'code red' areas that we will continue to address in practice, but I'm extremely proud of the effort we showed against a very good and well-coached Coastal team."
                                                                                                                                      
The Lady Night Hawks (2-1) return to action on Wednesday, Nov. 11 as they host Brewton-Parker College on Veterans Day.  Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
 
By the Numbers
2 – Number of double-doubles collected by TU players in the game
3 – Lady Night Hawks in double figures in scoring
4 – Days until Thomas faces Brewton-Parker College
17 – Game high total of rebounds by Bra'shey Ali
28 – Turnovers by Coastal Georgia
30 – Points scored by scoring leader Bra'shey Ali
62 – Total rebounds by the Night Hawks
85 – Points scored by Thomas
 
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by play, and feature stories of your TU women's basketball team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksWBKB.