WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The Stony Brook women's basketball team owns the top seed in the America East tournament.

The Seawolves will definitely have a chip on their shoulder when the playoffs begin next week.

Stony Brook, which had rallied from a 16-point deficit to take the lead, ultimately fell to previously winless Hartford, 70-67, on Wednesday.

"We came into Hartford and just didn't have our best game," head coach Caroline McCombs said. "I think as we move forward with our Senior Day and one game left in the conference season, it's going to be really important that we regroup and stay committed to each other and all of the voices that we have in the locker room."

The Seawolves (25-3, 13-2 AE) have now suffered consecutive defeats for the first time this season after previously accumulating an NCAA-best 22 straight wins.

Hartford had a chance to seal the game, but missed a pair of free throws with 3.5 seconds remaining while holding a three-point lead. On Stony Brook's final possession, Anastasia Warren's three-point bid narrowly missed.

The Seawolves trailed the winless Hawks 40-24 before halftime, but eventually pulled even at 43 midway through the third quarter. They led 59-56 on a three-pointer from Hailey Zeise with 6:17 remaining in the game.

But the Hawks answered late and held on for the victory.

It marked the fifth straight game for Stony Brook decided in the final minute or overtime.

Stony Brook played without India Pagan, who is allowing an injury time to mend before the America East playoffs.

The Seawolves conclude their regular season on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. against UAlbany at Island Federal Arena. As an appreciation for the program's fans, admission is free.