UTICA — The Lady Bears entered Thursday's non-conference test at Hinds, hoping to not only put a halt to a two-game skid but also build some momentum one week ahead of the MACCC opener. But the host Lady Bulldogs used a late surge to get back in the game and take the lead and Lady Bears couldn't full respond as the fell 75-72 in overtime.
 
"They gave us some extra opportunities to try and get it done and we didn't take advantage of them and that's disappointing, the whole day is disappointing," Southwest head coach Brent Harris said. "Hey, give credit to them (Hinds)."
 
The Lady Bears (10-3) got off to a strong start, racing out to an 11-0 lead, highlighted by back-to-back baskets from Moosie Walls.
 
However, the Lady Bears lost their focus not long afterward as the Lady Bulldogs roared back and pulled within two at 13-11 at the end of the first period.
 
Both teams jockeyed for position through the first few minutes of the second quarter before Southwest got into rhythm once again finishing the period on a 15-4 run, building a 37-23 lead at the half.
 
In the third quarter, Southwest went cold once again while Hinds got into a groove. The Lady Bears watched their lead decrease to as little as eight at 53-45 at the end of the third quarter.
 
Southwest tried to put an end to the rally in the fourth but for every step forward on offense, it seemed like two backwards on the other end of the floor as the Lady Bulldogs continued to carve into the Lady Bear lead.
 
With about a minute to go and the game tied at 61, Kara Beth Addison made a basket giving Southwest a two-point lead. But it was answered on the other end with two free throws, once again tying the game at 63 and eventually forcing overtime.
 
A slow start to the overtime period put the Lady Bears down 70-63. And even though Southwest cut into the lead and pulled within three at 70-67, they could not pull it out in the end.
 
Addison led Southwest with 19 points while Walls posted 15.
 
The Lady Bears return to action on Thursday as they open MACCC Conference Play at Co-Lin at 5:30 p.m.