BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - After winning the first quarter 24-12, the Birmingham-Southern women's basketball team was defeated by a strong Centre side in their third SAA game.

The Colonels got off to the start they were looking for on the road with a 9-4 lead inside the opening three minutes of play. The Panthers then started knocking down shots from different ranges in a full team effort on offense. The ball movement from the 'Southern offense gave themselves the open looks they wanted as they went on a 20-3 run in seven minutes to close out the opening quarter. The team also forced five turnovers in the run allowing only one field goal in the seven minutes.

After adjustments to start the second quarter, Centre turned things around both offensively and defensively. A 12-0 run to start the period tied the game at 24 with 5:19 still to go in the half. A Bryanna Williams three-pointer ended the run from the Colonels and got the Panthers on the board in the second. Centre led by as many as six with 46 seconds left in the half, but a Maya Cable three pulled 'Southern back within three. The Colonels then went down and scored to give themselves a five-point lead at the break.

Despite Centre having the momentum, BSC came out of the intermission and did not let the lead get out of fighting distance. The Colonels scored the first points of the third quarter, but 'Southern found themselves down only three with 6:55 left after a Montana Harris tip-in. The Panthers stayed close with back-and-forth scoring in the game, but Centre started to slowly pull away with a ten point lead at the end of the period.

Down 56-46 going into the fourth, BSC needed a quick run to give themselves a chance late in the fourth. However, they did not get the start they were hoping four with a 9-2 run by Centre in a little over two minutes. The Panthers shaved the deficit to 13 after two Summer Killin free throws, but the home side could not quite get the comeback bid started. The Colonels took the win in Birmingham, 74-55.

BSC Leaders
Montana Harris led the Panthers with 17 points on 73% shooting, five rebounds, and three steals. Maya Cable and Sheraton Foster also put in 10 points for BSC.

Records
Birmingham-Southern (3-11) (0-3 SAA), Centre (11-2) (2-0 SAA)

Up Next:
Birmingham-Southern will be back at Bill Battle on Sunday, Jan. 7 at 1:00 p.m. to take on SAA opposition Sewanee.