Charlotte, N.C.----The Johnson C. Smith University women’s basketball team outlasted Wingate University 65-60 in overtime Saturday afternoon in Brayboy Gymnasium. The Golden Bulls improve to 3-0 overall, while the Wingate Bulldogs fall to 2-1 overall on the young season.

JCSU senior guard Wendy Stywalt (Charlotte, N.C.) led the hosts with a game-high 25 points. Stywalt added six rebounds, three steals and two assists to her ledger Saturday. Wingate sophomore guard Kurie Washington (Marion, N.C.) topped the Bulldog charts with 18 points. Bulldog junior forward Jessy Keitt (Charlotte, N.C.) and freshman guard Sarah Wollett (Raleigh, N.C.) had 10 points each for the visitors.

Johnson C. Smith led 30-17 at intermission, but the Bulldogs made a huge second half comeback to force overtime. With less than a minute remaining, Stywalt turned the ball over at half court. Wollett scored on the steal to tie the contest at 55-55. The Golden Bulls had a chance to win the game in regulation, but they could not convert.

In the extra frame, Wingate was zero-for-six from the field. Stywalt found senior forward Demetria Bell (Indianapolis, Ind.) for a lay-up to push JCSU ahead 62-58 with under a minute to play. Golden Bull junior guard Tyra Breaux (Baltimore, Md.) sank a free throw, stole the ball on the next possession and then found Stywalt for a fast break hoop.

The two teams combined for 63 turnovers (Wingate 35, Johnson C. Smith 28). The Bulldogs won the battle of the boards 52-37. Keitt had eight boards, while Washington, sophomore guard Gladney Brown (High Point, N.C.), senior center Stacie Rhodes (Raleigh, N.C.) and junior forward Erica Crumlin (Irmo, S.C.) grabbed seven rebounds each.

Wingate leaves Monday for Puerto Rico. The Bulldogs will face Sacred Heart (P.R.) Tuesday and American (P.R.) Friday. Johnson C. Smith returns to the court on Monday, hosting CIAA foe Elizabeth City State University for a 5:30 p.m. league contest.