SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Katie Fitzgerald hit a 3-pointer to send the game into overtime with 00:09 seconds remaining, where Cal State San Marcos would outscore Cal State LA 13-9 to secure an 82-78 victory in the semifinals of the 2024 CCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Charity Gallegos and Jordan Vasquez led the charge for the Cougars with 21 points each. Vasquez added 11 rebounds to record a double-double on the night. Lily Buggs scored 24 points to lead all players and Nicole Flennaugh contributed 21 for the Golden Eagles.

Cal State LA came out strong to end the first quarter with a 24-14 lead, the Golden Eagles remained in control through the next two quarters. They led by as many as 12 and held a 58-52 lead after three quarters.

With an eight-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, the Cougars began to chip away at the lead behind two free throws from Vasquez to bring them within three points with 00:43 seconds left.

After an empty possession by the Golden Eagles, coach Renee Jimenez drew up a decoy play that had the defense following Gallegos, to leave Fitzgerald wide open for a three-pointer to tie the game 69-69. Fitzgerald shot 66 percent (6-of-9) from the field and 57 percent (4-of-7) from beyond the arc to add 16 points.

The Cougars grabbed their first lead of the game since the first quarter at 71-69 behind two free throws by Ava Ranson. Ranson rounded out the players in double figures with 11 points.

In the final minutes and OT, the Cougars outscored the Golden Eagles 13-9 to complete the comeback to secure their spot in the finals.

No. 1 seed Cal State San Marcos advances to the 2024 CCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship to face No. 2 seed Chico State.