FLORENCE, S.C. -- The Georgia Southwestern women's basketball team erupted with a 31 point third quarter to beat Francis Marion 77-56 inside Smith University Center Saturday afternoon.
Brianna Perry went 3-of-4 from the behind the arc for a team-high 16 points as four of the five starters all scored in double-digit figures. The Lady Canes got sweet revenge as the Patriots defeated them 83-72 during their first game on December 17, 2018.
How It Happened: Both teams started with a low scoring first quarter as neither squad could get things rolling. FMU took the initial 8-7 lead going into the second quarter. A layup by Lex Chatman put the Lady Canes up by two points as GSW started to get settled in and play their game.
GSW took a six point lead with back-to-back three's by Lele Young and Morgan Towells but the Patriots quickly closed the score and tied the game at 18 with 4:52 left in the half. Perry striked with a three but FMU answered with a three pointer of their own as they tried to retake their initial lead. GSW went on a 7-1 run into halftime to hold a 28-22 lead.
Perry was perfect from the field and scored 10 of her 16 points in the third quarter followed by Towells, who scored 9 points, as they help GSW ignite a strong lead over FMU. Midway through the third quarter, GSW took a 16 point lead after going on a 16-6 run to be up 44-28 at the media timeout (4:46). The Lady Canes closed the quarter with both a 23 point lead and a head full of steam into the final 10 minutes.
With 2:38 left in the game, GSW took their largest lead, a 25 point lead, over FMU (6-6, 3-5 PBC), who now has their third consecutive PBC loss.
GSW (8-6, 5-3 PBC) outplayed and led in all statistical categories this afternoon as the scored showed it. They took a one rebound advantage (41-40) over FMU and caused 22 turnovers in the process. The Lady Canes also led with a season-high 17 assists in today's victory.
Who Stood Out: Towells was second in scoring with 14 points, three assists and two steals followed by Young and Kris Beckham, who had 12 and 10, respectively. Young had a team-high four assists and grabbed down six rebounds while Beckham finished with four rebounds and two blocks.
Abigial Bullock led the Patriots with 15 points and four steals but a tough GSW defense held the Peach Belt leading scorer, Shaunice Fulmore, to only eight points.
Up Next: The Lady Canes continue their road stint and will play UNC Pembroke Monday, Jan. 21 for a 1:30 p.m. tipoff time.