LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell women's basketball battled through 45 minutes Thursday night but came up just short in a 62–58 overtime loss to New Hampshire at the Kennedy Family Athletic Complex. The River Hawks led for nearly 30 minutes of game time and forced extra minutes after a back-and-forth fourth quarter before UNH edged ahead late in overtime.

"We've been in a lot of these games already this year," head coach Jon Plefka said. "If we bring this level of effort consistently, this is going to be a much different second half of our conference season."

UMass Lowell opened the game by establishing its presence inside, with sophomore forward Nia Chima (Toronto, Ontario) scoring early at the free-throw line and controlling the glass. Junior guard Paris Gilmore (Youngstown, Ohio) added the first field goal of the night on a fast-break jumper as the teams traded baskets throughout the opening quarter. Chima closed the period at the line to keep the River Hawks within two.

The River Hawks took control in the second quarter behind senior guard Jaini Edmonds (Worcester, Mass.), who knocked down a pair of three-pointers to push UMass Lowell in front. Senior guard Sabrina Larsson (Uppsala, Sweden) followed with a transition triple as the River Hawks built momentum midway through the period. Edmonds capped the half with a driving layup in the closing seconds to give UMass Lowell a 30–25 lead at the break.

Out of halftime, Edmonds continued to set the pace, opening the third quarter with a three before assisting Chima on a finish in the paint as the River Hawks stretched the lead to double digits. UMass Lowell maintained control through the middle of the quarter and carried a 45–41 advantage into the final 10 minutes.

The fourth quarter tightened quickly, with UMass Lowell leaning on Chima at the free-throw line to protect the lead. Gilmore answered with a basket in the paint midway through the period, but the game was tied late, sending the contest into overtime.

In the extra period, UMass Lowell stayed within reach but was limited offensively down the stretch as the game was decided in the closing moments.

Edmonds led the River Hawks with 18 points, including four three-pointers. Chima added a career-high 15 points and a team-high 13 rebounds, going 13-for-14 at the free-throw line, while Larsson finished with 12 points.

UMass Lowell returns to action Saturday at Maine to open the second half of America East play.