CLEVELAND, Ga. — Katie Johnson scored a career-high 24 points, but CIU women's basketball came up just short in a tightly contested overtime battle, falling 71-69 to Truett McConnell on Wednesday evening.

CIU erased a double-digit deficit in the second half and briefly held the lead late in regulation before the Bears pulled out the win in the extra period. The Rams trailed by as many as 16 in the third quarter but used a strong second-half surge to force overtime.

Johnson finished 10-of-16 from the field to pace the Rams, while Jerchel Geathers-Washington added 15 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Magdalena Mihaljevic finished with eight points and three assists, and Lily Dunn contributed five points and five assists off the bench.

After trailing 49-45 entering the fourth quarter, CIU opened the final period with defensive pressure and timely shooting. A 3-pointer from Dunn cut the deficit to one, and Johnson later tied the game at 55 with a deep jumper. In the final minute of regulation, Mihaljevic connected on a go-ahead 3-pointer with 37 seconds remaining to give the Rams a 60-59 lead. Truett McConnell answered at the free-throw line, and Johnson's last-second attempt at the buzzer was blocked, sending the game to overtime.

The extra session featured multiple lead changes. CIU took a 66-63 advantage midway through overtime after Geathers-Washington converted a pair of free throws, but the Bears responded with consecutive baskets in the paint to regain the lead. Geathers-Washington again tied the game at 67 with free throws under a minute remaining, but a late basket gave Truett McConnell the edge in the final seconds.

CIU had one final opportunity down the stretch, but turnovers and missed chances at the line sealed the outcome.

The Rams shot 41 percent from the field and held a 41-31 rebounding advantage but were outscored 11-9 in overtime.

The Rams return to action Saturday, Feb. 7, traveling to Gainesville, Ga., to face Brenau University.