GALESBURG, Illinois - The Prairie Fire women's basketball team fell to Principia 65-62 in overtime on Saturday afternoon.

Knox built up an 18-7 lead midway through the first quarter, but the Panthers used a 10-2 run to bring the score to 20-17 through the first period.

The Prairie Fire jumped back out to a double digit lead in the second quarter and led 33-22 heading into halftime.

Knox maintained a double digit lead until late in the third quarter, but Principia chipped away at the lead in the closing minutes to trail just 39-36 at the beginning of the final period.

The Panthers took their first lead of the game with 7:28 to play. After some back and forth, Principia took a four point lead with 2:46 left. The Prairie Fire tied the game at 52-52 with less than a minute to play and took a one point lead at the 27 second mark. The Panthers tied it up at 54-54 by hitting one of two free throws. Knox put up a last second shot and got fouled, but failed to hit either of the free throws that would have sealed the game.

Principia took an early lead in the overtime period. The Prairie Fire again tied the game at 60-60 with less than a minute to play. After trading field goals to force a 62-62 tie, the Panthers hit three of four free throws in the final 11 seconds to seal the victory.

"We had them on the ropes for most of the game," said head coach Kira Mowen. "We got in foul trouble and lost our momentum and energy to let them back in the game. We fought hard at the end of regulation and overtime, but we shouldn't have been in that situation. We will clean some things up before conference begins on Tuesday."

Jessica Lee led Knox with 15 points. Kristin Herndon added a double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds.

The Prairie Fire host Grinnell on November 30 to kick off league play.