Box Score • Season Statistics • Infographic • Press Conference

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. – The Northeastern Huskies put together a strong performance in their fourth straight game away from home, but ultimately fell to the Pride of Hofstra, 85-83, in overtime on Tuesday, Jan. 6.
 
With 11:01 to go in the game, Northeastern (3-9, 0-2)  trailed Hofstra (9-4, 2-0) by 10, 58-48. The team had been struggling on the offensive end, but the Huskies kept their composure and put together a solid five minutes of offense to bring it within two, 63-61 with 6:44 to go. On the next possession, Northeastern forced a turnover, drove the ball down the court and Amencie Mercier made a 3-pointer to put NU up by one point. It was the Huskies' first lead since the 13:12 mark of the first half.
 
The two teams would go back and forth over the remaining six minutes, resulting in the game being tied four times. Kelly Cole's squad had possession of the ball with 26 seconds left, but a shot from Samantha DeFreese fell just short as the buzzer sounded.
 
In the overtime period, the Huskies and Pride would once again match one another's offensive output. Hofstra would go up by four points twice in the extra time, but NU would not be deterred, tying the game both times and erasing the small deficit.
 
A'lece Mark tied the game at 83-83 with 13 seconds left hitting a clutch, contested 3-pointer. Northeastern, however, committed a foul on the in-bounds and the Pride were awarded two free throws. Hofstra's Darius Faulk connected on the first shot, but missed her second attempt. On the rebound the Huskies committed a second foul and Hofstra went back to the line. The Pride's Asia Jackson made one-of-two to push the lead to 85-83.
 
On the ensuing possession for NU, the Huskies would not be able to get a shot off as the Pride secured their victory.
 
DeFreese recorded a double-double in the loss, her second on the season, accounting for 21 points and 10 rebounds. The junior had a stellar second half, scoring 13 points and grabbing three boards. Mercier also recorded a double-double, her first of the season, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Mark also put together one of her finest performances of the season, scoring 21 points and recording five boards, five assists, and three steals.  The fourth Husky in double-figures was Francesca Sally, who finished with 13 points.
 
As a team, the Huskies shot 47 percent from the floor, connecting on 29 of their 61 shots. They finished shooting 43 percent from downtown, making nine-of-21. The Huskies recorded a season-high 22 assists, and won the turnover battle by two, 22-24.

The Pride and Huskies both played strong in the opening half of the game, ending in a 35-33 Hofstra lead. The Huskies started slow, missing their first few shots, but ultimately found their rhythm, finishing 11-of-28 from the floor.
 
Northeastern had six different players score in the first stanza, highlighted by nine points from Mark. The senior appeared to be dialed in early, connecting on two-of-four from downtown. The majority of her damage, however, was done at the free-throw line, where she made three of her five attempts.
 
Mercier and DeFreese also chipped in big first-half performances, scoring eight points apiece. Mercier showed off her range, connecting on two-of-four from downtown, while DeFreese helped the Huskies establish an inside presence, scoring all eight of her points in the paint. She also corralled a team-high five rebounds in the first half.
 
Sally added four points, while Loren Lassiter and Maureen Taggart both scored two points. Taggart ended her night with five points total. 
 
Northeastern will now head back to Boston and prepare for a showdown with James Madison on Friday, Jan. 9. It's the team's first home game in its last four contests. Two days later, the CAA action continues as NU faces Delaware at 2 p.m.
 
Game Notes
• The Huskies are now 18-17 all-time against the Pride. 
• This is the first time this season two players have recorded a double-double in one game. 
• Northeastern ended its four-game road trip with a 1-3 record. 
• This was NU's first overtime game of the season. 
• The Huskies now return to Cabot Center for a three-game home stand starting Friday, Jan. 9. 
 
For complete coverage of Northeastern women's basketball, follow us on Facebook (GoNUwbasketball), Twitter (@GoNUwbasketball), and Instagram (@GoNUwbasketball). The Huskies also run their own blog, The Husky Huddle, for fans eager to learn more about the team and hear from the coaches and players directly. 

Check out exclusive live and on-demand videos of Northeastern Athletics at GoNU.com/xstream and behind-the-scenes content on Instagram (GoNUathletics), Twitter (@GoNUathletics) and Facebook (GoNUathletics). For tickets, visit GoNU.com/tickets or call (617) 373-4700.

 Tweets by @GoNUwbasketball .