NORFOLK, Va. — The Monarchs haven't felt the arena rock like that in a long time. This game deserved nothing less.
The defending champion Rice Owls came into the game first in the conference, and riding a 30 game conference winning streak.
The ODU Monarchs came into the game 2nd in conference, one clear of Rice in the loss column, not a home loss in sight.
That means at least one streak was getting broken tonight, just not in regulation.
The teams were knotted 28-28 at the half, and then again 55-55 at the end of the 4th. Even the team stats came out remarkably even; Rice shot 40% from the field, while ODU shot 39.7 %, both teams made 12 free throws, neither team made more than 5 three, and the rebounding and foul margins were both within 3.
Naturally the two teams needed overtime to decide a winner, but that extra period was all Monarchs.
In her first game back from injury Ajah Wayne came up big in the extra period with crucial buckets and free throws to help seal the win.
The 66-59 victory moves the Monarchs to first in the conference, and sets up an absolute showdown at Rice for March 7th, the final game of the regular season.
First the Monarchs stay at home for a matchup this Saturday.