Four days after coming off the bench to post double digits in the scoring column, junior center, Rachel Mahar did it again, scoring 17 points to lead San Francisco (4-4) to a 70-65 overtime victory against Western Michigan (2-3), Sunday at War Memorial Gym. Mahar's scoring output not only tied her career-high, but was especially remarkable considering she played only 21 minutes, and didn't enter the game until the second half.

Obviously Rachel Mahar coming off the bench in the second half provided a tremendous spark, said USF co-head coach Bill Nepfel, She scored inside, and more importantly had energy inside. Nepfel was also pleased with the total team effort the Lady Dons produced in a hotly contested game.

Cortney Keegan hit a huge three in overtime and Jennifer Madkins handled the ball well down the stretch. We've won three in a row at home and this is the first time all season we've been at .500. Hopefully we will be able to build momentum off this game, Nepfel added.

The Lady Dons were evenly matched with the Broncos, shooting 38 percent from the field compared to Western Michigan's 39 percent. However, USF came up with key plays down the stretch on both sides of the ball to take control of the contest in the overtime period.

Junior Cortney Keegan made her first career start for the Lady Dons and came through with a clutch three-point goal with 2: 44 left in overtime, putting the Lady Dons ahead for good 62-61. Moments later on the other end of the floor, Keegan was fouled and knocked down two free throws to seal the win for USF. The Broncos had a chance to tie the game with twenty seconds left in overtime, but Shelsea Erving was unable to convert on her three-point attempt due to San Francisco's aggressive defense.

Mahar dominated the second half for USF, but freshman forward, Carey Sauer poured in 12 in the first and finished with 14 on the afternoon. Senior guard, Jennifer Madkins added 10 points and eight rebounds for the Lady Dons. Senior forward, Sarah Wanless added eight points, seven rebounds and blocked two shots and now has 101 career swats to move into third place on the USF all-time list.

Western Michigan freshman forward, Kristin Koetsier poured in a game-high 24 points and pulled down 13 rebounds before fouling early in overtime. Danielle Mueller added 18 points for the Broncos.

USF had a chance to win in regulation, but lost control of the basketball in the backcourt with seven seconds left in the second half. Despite a quick Broncos timeout, Western Michigan was unable to attempt a field goal in the remaining seconds, paving the way for overtime.