AMERICUS, Ga.-  Even with out-scoring Columbus State in the first and fourth quarter the Georgia Southwestern women's basketball team lost 72-56 Saturday evening in the Storm dome.

GSW drops to 9-10 overall and 3-9 in the Peach Belt Conference while CSU increases to 15-4 and 9-3 in the PBC.

The Cougars took an early lead and the Lady 'Canes tied the game twice before taking the lead with 3:30 left in the first quarter. Columbus State took the lead back with a 3-pointer and Yvonna Dunkley responded with a 3-pointer to recapture the lead and Whitney Young put in a layup to take a four point advantage at the end of the first.

The Cougars tied the game three minutes into the second quarter and took the lead back with 6:22 left. The Lady 'Canes replied with a layup and a free throw from Chanice Whitton to lead by one with 5:41 remaining.

The Cougars took out their claws and went on a streak with two 3-pointers followed by a jump shot and two free throws to edge GSW by 11 and then fouled.

Aleah Holden made both free throws and Columbus State finished the second quarter with a free throw and another 3-pointer to head into halftime leading 37-24.

Columbus State extended their lead to 18 points halfway through the third and headed into the last quarter 57-39.

Not without effort the Lady 'Canes tried cutting the Cougars lead and came within 13 points with 3:44 to go after Dunkley put in a 3-pointer. The Cougars went on a seven point streak to take a 20 point advantage but GSW kept pushing and put in two more baskets in the last 45 seconds to take a 72-56 loss.

Holden recorded her fifth successive double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Dunkley led GSW with 12 points and Whitton had 9 points and 7 rebounds.

The Lady 'Canes are home one Wednesday to host Montevallo at 5:30 p.m. in the Storm Dome.