WBB: Xavier edges UC in double OT

CINCINNATI - The Xavier women's basketball team pulled out a 69-67 double-overtime victory over the University of Cincinnati at Fifth Third Arena Sunday to claim its fourth straight Crosstown Classic title.

Senior Jessica Pachko scored eight of her 15 points during the overtime periods to lead the Musketeers' offensive attack and help Xavier retain the Kendle Cup. Sophomore Lakeisha Crouch also finished with 15 points for XU.

Xavier improves to 4-3 on the season, while the Bearcats drop to 4-2 after the loss.

Neither team shot particularly well during the contest, in part due to the rough-and-tumble style of play exhibited during the game. The teams combined for 48 fouls during the contest.

The Musketeers shot just 32.3 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from beyond the arc but solid free-throw shooting down the stretch kept them in the game. XU finished 22 of 31 (71.0 percent) from the free throw line, including 9-for-10 in the overtime periods.

The Bearcats shot 28.9 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from long range.

A pair of made free throws by Pachko tied the score 64-64 with 3:09 to play in the second overtime. A layup from Crouch and two more free throws from freshman Jenna Crittendon sealed the victory for the Musketeers.

The Bearcats were led by a game-high 25 points from junior Dayeesha Hollins. Hollins also had 14 rebounds and three assists. Tiffany Turner posted UC's other double-double, scoring 11 points and pulling down 14 rebounds.