ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop women's basketball team earned its first victory of the season Wednesday, downing North Carolina Central 66-41 at the Winthrop Coliseum. 

HOW IT HAPPENED
Winthrop (1-2) played a strong defensive first quarter, limiting Central to only three points.  Winthrop jumped out to a 6-0 lead and led 15-3 after the opening 10 minutes. Winthrop increased its lead to as much as 17 with just over six minutes remaining in the half.  NC Central cut the deficit down to eight points but Winthrop took a 30-20 lead into the break.

NC Central (0-3) worked to stay within striking distance but Winthrop was able to progressively increase its cushion.  Winthrop held its largest lead at the end of the third quarter 49-32.  Winthrop cruised through the fourth quarter en route to the 66-41 victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
Jah'Che Whitfield led three Winthrop players in double-figure scoring with 15 points.  Kem Nwabudu finished with 14 points while Anika Riley added 10.  Riley and Nwabudu each tied for the team-lead with five rebounds.

Winthrop shot 45.5 percent from the field for the game including better than 50 percent in both the first and third quarters.  NC Central edged Winthrop in rebounds 38-37.
WHAT'S UP NEXT
Winthrop remains at home for a Saturday contest against the Newberry Wolves.  The Homecoming matchup will tip at 11:30 a.m. and will be played as a doubleheader with the men playing at 2:30 p.m.