MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The 14^th ranked St. Thomas women's basketball team came from behind to win a thriller, 80-71 in overtime, over conference rival Ave Maria Friday night at the Fernandez Center.  The win put St. Thomas (15-4, 5-0) in sole possession of first place in The Sun Conference.

 "In the end it was the team with the biggest heart that won," said STU head coach Robin Harmony. "Our team really stepped up and showed why we're 14^th in the nation.

St. Thomas, who never led in regulation, was led by senior Nickerline Montina's 35 points, the second –most points ever scored by a Bobcat in a single game.  Montina was just one point shy of the school record of 36 points by fellow senior Maddie Cummings who scored 36 last year vs. Edward Waters.

Montina and Cummings were both honored in pre-game ceremonies for their recent 1,000-point career milestones.  Both seniors delivered on their big night as Montina went 11-of-24 from the field and 13-of-17 from the free throw line, while grabbing nine rebounds.  Cummings came through with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Montina's performance came despite not feeling 100% health-wise.

"I was a little tired and I was sick," said Montina.  "I thought I really didn't play my best game, but in overtime I had to suck it up and play and get my team the victory."

Junior Dannisha Pierce posted her second double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds.  Defensively, the Bobcats blocked eight shots, as sophomore Jasmin Sakers and freshman Gina Grimstead each led with three blocks a piece.

STU trailed from the onset falling behind 7-1 to start the game and trailed by as many as 13 points late in the first half.  After trailing 37-28 at halftime, the Bobcats reversed the scoring in the second half battling back to tie the game for the first time with 2:55 in the second half on two free throws by Montina.  The scored see-sawed back and forth until a tie at the end of regulation at 65-65.  In overtime, STU led the entire extra period extending its lead to the final winning margin of nine points.

The Bobcats return to action on Saturday at 2 p.m. with another Sun Conference matchup vs. Southeastern at the Fernandez Family Center.