(Peru, Neb.)- Peru State turned a tense Black Out Game into an overtime statement Wednesday night, closing with a 17-2 surge in the extra period to defeat Baker University 88-73 in women's basketball action.

The Bobcats, who trailed late in regulation, forced overtime on a driving layup by center Kylie Diaz with four seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to knot the score at 71-71. Peru State then controlled the overtime session on both ends of the floor, holding Baker to just two points while steadily pulling away behind timely shooting and interior dominance.

Diaz delivered a standout performance in the paint, finishing with 32 points and 13 rebounds on 13-for-19 shooting while adding three blocks. Forward Erison Vonderschmidt provided a powerful complement inside and out, tallying 30 points and 11 rebounds and going 10-for-17 from the field and 9-for-12 at the free-throw line. Guard MaKinley Tobey added 19 points and four rebounds, including a key 3-pointer early in overtime that gave Peru State a 74-71 lead and set the tone for the decisive run.

Peru State finished 34-for-72 from the floor (47.2 percent) and made 15 of 21 free throws, taking advantage of its size and activity on the glass. The Bobcats outrebounded Baker 45-32, including 15 offensive boards, and used that edge to generate second-chance points and keep pressure on the Wildcats' defense. Peru State also recorded 17 assists, nine steals and seven blocks while committing just 10 turnovers.

Although Baker took a 35-28 advantage into halftime, Peru State responded after the break with a strong third quarter, outscoring Baker 23-13 to move in front. Diaz scored inside in the closing seconds of the third to give the Bobcats a 51-48 lead heading to the fourth quarter, and Peru State carried that momentum into the final 10 minutes before Baker rallied to reclaim the lead in the closing moments of regulation. Diaz answered again, attacking the rim in the final seconds to extend the game and set up the Bobcats' dominant overtime.

In the extra period, Peru State's defense tightened, forcing Baker into contested looks and turnovers while limiting the Wildcats' 3-point opportunities. The Bobcats' interior presence and rebounding control proved decisive as they closed out the 88-73 win, giving the home crowd in Peru a dramatic finish to the Black Out Game and a notable early-February boost.