The Robert Morris University women’s basketball team suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss at the hands of Fairleigh Dickinson, 64-62, on Saturday afternoon at the Charles L. Sewall Center. The game marked the team’s senior day, where Jasmine Tate, Anna Gailite and Anna Kavasila were honored for their careers as an RMU basketball player. Despite the honorary ceremony taking place prior to the game, the Colonials fell short and could not capture the thrilling overtime victory.

Artemis Spanou posted another double-double, racking 18 points and 21 rebounds. Ashley Ravelli also played outstanding, going 4-6 from downtown to post 21 points on the day, but their efforts were not enough to surpass the Knights, who swept the season series with the two-point win.

Missed free throws killed the Colonials chances, as the team failed to take advantage of their opportunities at the charity stripe, shooting 35% throughout the game and going 1-5 in overtime. Head Coach Sal Buscaglia elaborated on the team’s loss, and pointed to his player’s fatigue for their struggles from the line.

“This was very tough because I think the kids really wanted this game,” said Buscgalia. “When you have three players play 45 minutes and not get a break, I think that affected us at the free throw line.”

The trio that played all 45 minutes of the game was Spanou, Ravelli, and freshman point guard Randi Jackson, who contributed eight points and five assists. With every game in the Colonials final stretch crucially depicting their NEC playoff chances, frustration was imminent within the Sewall arena.

“It’s definitely tough especially since we need wins to make the playoffs,” said Spanou. “Losing in overtime kills us, but we need to stay together since we have three games to go. We can make it.”

RMU is currently in ninth place of the NEC standings. With the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs, the team knows what is at stake.

“We definitely need to win these next three games. We have to play harder, play together, and win so we can make the playoffs,” she added.

The final three opponents for the Colonials include both Central Connecticut State and Bryant, who are currently seeded in front of RMU at seventh and eighth respectively. If the squad can manage to pull out wins against the two programs, their injury-ridden season will fortunately end on the high note of a NEC playoff appearance.