A free throw by Natasha Lettsome with two seconds remaining gave the visiting Mountaineers a 65-64 victory over Radford University in women’s basketball action Saturday at the Dedmon Center. 

The Mountaineers trailed the Highlanders for much of the game before taking a 64-62 lead in the game’s final minute.  After a short jumper by Radford’s Catrice Horton tied the game with 21 seconds left, Lettsome was fouled after pulling down her seventh offensive rebound. It was the 26th offensive rebound for the Mountaineers, who dominated Radford on the boards 60-39. 

ASU trailed by 10 (58-48) with 7:23 remaining and rallied down the stretch, out-scoring Radford 17-6 to finish the game. 
The Mountaineers earned the victory by draining six of 10 free throws over the final 1:39.  

Appalachian utilized another tenacious inside attack, headed by juniors Jamie Gagliano and Lettsome. Gagliano posted game-highs of 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Lettsome tallied her third double-double of the season, collecting 14 points and 11 rebounds. Horton finished with 13 points. Jennifer Grant added 13 points and nine rebounds. Kelli Tull chipped in 11 points and three assists. 
 
One of the keys to this year’s success is the rebounding presence. The Mountaineers have out-rebounded their opponents in three of their five games this season. ASU is averaging 43.6 rebounds per game, while allowing 42.0 rebounds for its opponents. It was just last year that the Mountaineers out-rebounded their opponents in 20 of 29 games. 

With Lettsome’s double-double and Jamie Gagliano notching her first double-double in the win, this is the second time this year this feat has been accomplished, the last time coming on Nov. 23 against UNCC. 
 
Radford’s record falls to 1-4 and Appalachian State climbs to 2-3.  The Mountaineers visit UNC-Asheville on Mon., Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.