BELPRE — The Meigs girls basketball team needed overtime, but the Lady Marauders were able to end a four-game losing streak Monday night during a 55-43 victory over host Belpre during a Tri-Valley Conference Ohio Division matchup in Washington County.

The Lady Marauders (9-9, 6-5 TVC Ohio) were able to climb back to .500 on the season due, in large part, to their ability to hit clutch free throws down the stretch. MHS was 23-of-26 at the charity stripe over the final 12 minutes of play, including 15-of-17 at the line during the overtime session.

Both Meigs and the Lady Golden Eagles (4-14, 2-9) were tied at 38 after regulation, but the Maroon and Gold went on a 17-5 surge in the extra session to wrap up the season sweep of BHS. Meigs also defeated Belpre by a 44-33 margin back on January 11 at Larry R. Morrison Gymnasium.

The guests took a small 14-11 advantage after eight minutes of play, then traded points (six apiece) with Belpre in the second canto for a 20-17 edge at the intermission.

Belpre went on a 9-6 run in the third period, tying the contest at 26-all headed into the finale. Both teams traded 12 points apiece in the fourth to end regulation knotted at 38.

Tricia Smith scored all 11 of her points in that extra session — including making her last nine of 10 attempts — to help the guests finish out the 12-point triumph.

Morgan Howard led Meigs with a double-double effort of 25 points and 25 rebounds, both of which were game-highs. Howard scored 16 of those after halftime, including six in the overtime session.

Miranda Grueser was next with 12 points, followed by Smith with 11 and Jazzman Fish with four markers. Chandra Stanley and Shanalle Smith rounded out the respective scoring with two points and one point.

MHS was 27-of-35 overall at the free throw line for 77 percent. Meigs also posted team numbers of 48 rebounds (22 offensive), 10 steals, nine assists and 22 turnovers in the decision.

Regina Leftwich and Allison Flowers both paced Belpre with 12 points apiece, followed by Kelsey Crislip with eight markers. The hosts were also 7-of-11 at the charity stripe for 63 percent.

Meigs returns to action tonight when it hosts River Valley in a non-conference makeup game at 6 p.m.