The Georgia Southwestern women's basketball team improved
to 4-0 at home this season with a 65-58 win over Saint Leo at the
Storm Dome on Sunday afternoon.

Hot shooting and stifling defense helped the Lady 'Canes avenge their
77-75 loss to SLU on November 20.

GSW finished the game shooting 43.9 percent from the floor (25-of-57),
including 44.4 percent (4-of-9) from beyond the arc, while holding
Saint Leo to 27.1 percent (16-of-59). The 16 field goals are the
fewest allowed in a game this year by Southwestern.

The Lady Hurricanes never trailed on Sunday.

After Saint Leo tied the game (6-6) at the 16:02 mark in the first
half, Georgia Southwestern used the next nine minutes to steadily
increase their advantage to eight, 20-12.

A 3-point basket from SLU shaved the GSW lead to five before Brittany
Reynolds led the Lady ‘Canes on another run. Reynolds hit a jumper,
knocked down two free throws and led Brandi Burris on a fast break to
help GSW build their largest lead of the half, 26-15.

The visitors chipped away at the Southwestern lead over the final five
minutes of the half to cut the Hurricanes lead to five (30-25) at the
break.

GSW pushed the offensive issue right out of the gate in the second
half, using the first three minutes to score the first nine points and
gain a 39-25 lead.

Saint Leo cut the lead to six with 15:05 to play. The GSW lead
remained steady over next nine minutes before Saint Leo made one final
charge at the ‘Canes.

A 7-1 SLU run cut the lead to three with 5:06 to play. The visiting
Lions remained persistent eventually slicing the lead down to one with
1:35 to go on a converted three-point play by Sierra Williams.

On GSW's ensuing possession, Kanita Holloway knocked down a three-point
basket to give the Lady ‘Canes a four-point cushion. After two free
throws from SLU, Jessica Bivins put the game out of reach with 22
seconds remaining when she drilled the Lady ‘Canes second consecutive
three-pointer, giving the home squad a 63-58 lead.

Two late free throws from Tonette Murphy completed the scoring.

Southwestern had fewer rebounds (47-40), but more assists (11-4) and
steals (11-4) than Saint Leo.

While the Lady Hurricanes were solid from the floor, they struggled at
the free throw line (11-of-22).

Reynolds posted her third double-double of the season to lead GSW with
game-highs in points (15) and rebounds (13). Holloway added nine
points.

Williams scored 15 points to lead SLU. Gekeela Clemmons added 13
points. Willonda Windham and Dominique Daniels pulled down 10 rebounds
apiece.

The five-game home winning streak, dating back to last season, is the
Lady Hurricanes longest since winning six straight (January 7-February
4) in 2006 as a member of the NAIA.

GSW looks to avenge another loss from earlier this season on Tuesday,
hosting Brenau at 3:00 p.m.