MOUNT OLIVE — The University of Mount Olive women’s basketball team battled to the final buzzer Saturday but fell just short in a 59-58 overtime loss to Ferrum College inside Kornegay Arena.

After a slow first half, the Trojans surged back into the contest with a spirited offensive and defensive effort. The intensity peaked in the final minutes of regulation. With just over two minutes remaining, Jada Priebe sparked the comeback with a jumper in the paint to cut the deficit to four, 46-42.

Kayla Jackson played a crucial role in the rally, pulling down a key rebound with 54 seconds left and converting a free throw to keep Mount Olive within striking distance. Following a defensive stop, UMO called timeout to dial up a play, allowing Jerin Truesdale to drive in for a layup that left only eight seconds on the clock.

A quick foul by Jayla Hicks gave UMO another chance, but Ferrum sank both free throws. On the ensuing possession, Priebe set a screen to free up Jackson, who buried a clutch three-pointer with three seconds remaining to force overtime.

The extra period featured back-and-forth scoring. Priebe nailed a jumper with 17 seconds left, but Ferrum answered on the other end and ultimately escaped with the one-point win.

Savannah McAfee led the Trojans with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Priebe contributed a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds in 41 minutes, while Jackson added 12 points and six boards.

UMO shot 35.4 percent from the field and 29 percent from beyond the arc. Defensively, the Trojans held Ferrum to just 15 percent shooting from three.

Mount Olive returns to action on the road December 13, taking on North Greenville at 1 p.m.