Olivia Hamlin's buzzer-beater pushes BYU women's basketball to narrow win over Washington State

With the game tied in the final seconds, BYU women's basketball guard Olivia Hamlin rose and hit a buzzer-beater jumper that sent the Cougars sprinting off the bench and sealed a 56-54 win over Washington State at Delta Center on Wednesday afternoon.

BYU trailed entering the fourth quarter but surged late, outscoring WSU 20-15 in the final minutes behind big plays from Hamlin and Arielle Mackey-Williams, who shared the team lead with 14 points apiece.

Big 12 Freshman of the Week Sydney Benally added eight points, two steals and three rebounds, continuing her consistent production during the Cougars’ early-season stretch.

BYU also controlled the glass, finishing with a 36-29 rebounding margin. Brinley Cannon and Marya Hudgins anchored the defensive effort with nine rebounds each. Lara Rohkol and Bolanle Yussuf followed with six rebounds apiece.

WSU was led by Eleonora Villa, who scored 23 points. Washington State shot 37.9% from the field.

The game stayed tight throughout, with both teams trading stops and baskets. WSU pressured BYU all afternoon, but BYU responded each time, setting up a dramatic finish. Tied at 54, Hamlin took the inbounds pass with 2.8 seconds remaining, dribbled left and rose for a pull-up jumper just inside the arc.

The win adds another strong nonconference result for BYU, which continues building momentum heading toward Big 12 play, beginning Dec. 20.

Until then, the Cougars will travel to the Chiles Center in Portland, Ore., to face the Portland Pilots on Dec. 6. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m. MST.