HATTIESBURG, Miss. – William Carey Women's Basketball picked up a non-conference win Saturday afternoon, defeating Louisiana Christian 72-66 at Clinton Gym.

The Lady Crusaders got off to a hot start building an 11-3 lead halfway through the first quarter.  However, the Wildcats slowed the Carey offense and battled back to a 17-14 deficit heading into the second quarter.

Things remained tight in the second quarter with LCU taking a brief 26-25 lead four minutes in but Carey quickly retook the lead on a Lauren Rowley two point basket and went into the half up 38-32. 

The back and forth continued out of the break until halfway through the quarter when a Rowley three point basket sparked a 13-3 run to close the third quarter and give Carey a 61-49 lead.

In the fourth quarter the WCU offense stretched their lead to 14 points down the stretch and never looked back.

Lauren Rowley finished with a career high 28 points and 6 rebounds.  Madelyn Ladner added 14 points and Kolten Blakeney finished with 11 points and 7 rebounds.

The Lady Crusaders are back in action November 17, as they open up SSAC play against Brewton-Parker College.  Tip-off is slated for 4:30 pm in Mount Vernon, Ga.