The Wahine trailed by four with less than a minute left in the game, but scored seven straight points, including the go-ahead free throws by Christen Roper with less than five seconds remaining. The Cougars had one last gasp and guard Julie Whetten answered their prayers with a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into overtime.
The Wahine responded by scoring the first six points of overtime and held on by converting 14-of-16 from the free throw line. For the game UH went 27-of-34 from the line.
Janka Gabrielova and Crystal Lee were a combined 20-of-20 from the line. Gabrielova tied her career-high with 24 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute of regulation. Lee scored 12 points and added 3 rebounds.
Roper finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and tied her career-high with six blocks. Dainora Puida recorded her fifth straight double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Wahine won despite being out-shot by the Cougars 75-47. UH trailed by as many as nine in the first half but stayed in the game by holding the Cougars to just 31 percent shooting and trailed just 28-27 at the break.
Jennifer Leitner led BYU with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
The Wahine improved to 25-7 with the win, marking the fifth time under head coach Vince Goo that a squad has reached the 25-win plateau.