AMERICUS, Ga. -- At the end of the first quarter, the Georgia Southwestern women's basketball team was tied at 17 points with Francis Marion in what one would thought to be a tough, back and forth match this afternoon. FMU erupted and scored 26 points in the second quarter to get a 43-31 halftime lead that they didn't want to let go. 

Although the Patriots were outscored in the third quarter, they managed to bounce back in the fourth quarter to secure a 83-72 Peach Belt Conference victory during Sumter County Education Day in the Storm Dome Monday afternoon. 

How It Happened: In the third quarter, the Lady Canes started to answer back - coming two points shy of tying the game with the Patriots. With 2:48 left in the third quarter, Brianna Perry drained one from deep then followed up with a steal and layup to close the scoring gap to 54-50. After a FMU miss, Mariya Trimble snagged the rebound and raced down the court for a layup, 54-52. The Patriots followed up with a score of their own then forced a turnover on the following possession. As time was ticking off the clock, a foul by Jamesha Samuel placed FMU at the free throw line for three free points, as GSW went into the final quarter trailing 59-52.

GSW went on a 6-0 scoring run late in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 77-70 with two minutes left in the game but with due to fouls, FMU escaped with the 83-72 victory this afternoon.

Who Stood Out: Three Lady Canes (3-5, 0-2 PBC) scored in double-digits tonight as Lex Chatman and Trimble, who came off the bench, led with 12 points each. Trimble had eight rebounds and one block while Chatman picked up five rebounds and two steals. Kayla Smith had 10 points, seven rebounds and a pair of steals as the Lady Canes caused 28 turnovers this afternoon.

FMU (4-2, 1-1 PBC) shot 59.6 percent from the field and 58.8 percent from the line while only dropping one of four three pointers. GSW shot 35.7 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from the free throw line. FMU had more points in the paint (46-38) but GSW led with more bench points (38-29) and less turnovers than their foe. 

Shaunice Fulmore, who scored 24 points, led FMU followed by Briana Burgins, who put up 12 points and snatched 11 rebounds.

Up Next: The Lady Canes invite UNC Pembroke into the Storm Dome Wednesday for their final game of the year for Middle Flint Day as tip off is scheduled for 12 p.m.