Western Kentucky’s women’s basketball team wasn’t able to hold on to a late lead at Chattanooga (7-5), losing in the final seconds, 59-58, on Friday evening in McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Chattanooga was the first to score, but WKU (4-7) responded quickly with the next four points. The Mocs tied it up, but a jumper from Torri James put WKU back ahead. Chattanooga scored again, but James scored four straight points to give WKU a 10-6 lead. After a Chattanooga bucket, Trinity Rowe gave WKU a 13-8 lead going into the second quarter behind a 3-pointer.

The Mocs got back within one a minute into the second quarter, but Rowe took a page out of James’ book and scored five straight on her own to put WKU back ahead, 19-13. Chattanooga got back within one again at the 3:04 mark, but WKU ended the first half on an 8-0 run, including back-to-back 3-pointers from Zsofia Telegdy, to take a 34-25 lead into halftime.

The Lady Toppers extended that run with four straight points to make it a 12-0 run, giving WKU a 38-25 lead. The Mocs responded with an 8-0 run of their own to get back within five. The two teams traded baskets the rest of the quarter and WKU took a 43-40 lead into the final quarter.

WKU opened the fourth quarter on a 9-3 scoring advantage to push its lead out to 52-43. The Mocs cut into that lead with four straight points, but WKU countered with three made free throws. A Chattanooga 3 with 2:18 left cut WKU’s lead down to five. Tia Shelling made good on a free throw to push it back out to 56-50. The Mocs made back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game with 1:14 left in the game. Salma Khedr made a go-ahead layup with 11 seconds left, but a Chattanooga player made a basket and was fouled with 0.01 seconds left to clinch the win.

James led the team with her first career double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. It was a new career high in both categories for the sophomore. She has led the team in scoring three times this season, the most of any player. James was a scorching 8-of-10 from the floor.

Rowe had her best offensive game of the season with a season high 16 points, connecting on a season high four 3-pointers. She also dished out four assists with only two turnovers.

Khedr joined the pair in double digits for 11 points to go along with three rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

The Lady Toppers will open the New Year and the Conference USA slate at Jax State on Jan. 2 at 6:30 p.m.