BABSON PARK, Fla. – The William Carey Women's Basketball Team used a strong second half to defeat St. Thomas University 73-59 Friday morning to wrap up play in the SSAC/SUN Challenge.
 
The Lady Crusaders got off to hot start building a 14-2 advantage over the first five minutes of the game.  However, the hot shooting by WCU went cold over the final minutes of the first as the Bobcats were able to cut the deficit to 17-16 Carey, heading into the second quarter.
 
The shooting troubles continued into the second quarter for the Lady Crusaders as they were outscored 20-12 to find themselves down 36-29 at the half.
 
Carey came out of the break and continued to battle eventually tying the game on multiple occasions.  With the score tied at 47 and just over a minute left in the third, a steal by Leah Sutton and the layup by Lauren Rowley would give the Lady Crusaders their first lead since the beginning of the second quarter.  Carey would go on to take a 52-47 lead into the fourth quarter.
 
WCU continued to press the attack, opening the fourth on a 13-1 run and never looked back, leading by as many as 21 points down the stretch.  The Carey defense did the rest limiting the Bobcats to just 11% shooting from the floor in the fourth.
 
Lauren Rowley led the way finishing with 26 points and seven rebounds.  Rose Warren added 15 points with Shaneal Corpuz finishing with 11 points.
 
WCU is back in action Monday, November 6, as they take Southern Miss. in an exhibition contest.  Tip-off is scheduled for 11:00 am at Reed Green Coliseum.