ROCK HILL, SC – The Winthrop women's basketball team shot 64 percent from the field in the first quarter Tuesday evening but couldn't close out the Presbyterian Blue Hose, falling 64-58 at the Winthrop Coliseum.

Winthrop fell to 2-20 overall and 1-10 in the Big South with the loss while Presbyterian improved to 8-14 overall and 5-6 in the conference.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The two sides played a back-and-forth first quarter.  Presbyterian jumped out to the early 7-4 lead before the Eagles scored seven straight to grab an 11-7 edge.  After Winthrop increased its lead to seven, Presbyterian closed the first period on a 5-0 and trailed 19-17.

Presbyterian quickly tied the contest to start the second quarter but Winthrop responded with a big 14-2 run to take a 35-21 lead.  The Blue Hose pulled a few points back but the Eagles still led 39-31 at the half.

The Blue Hose heated up from three-point range in the third quarter, hitting five from long range.  Presbyterian was able to tie the contest at 49-49 going into the final quarter.

Presbyterian opened the fourth quarter on a 10-2 run, taking a 59-51 lead.  Winthrop wasn't able to string more than one bucket together and the Blue Hose converted their free throws down the stretch to secure the victory.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

Anika Riley and Ronata Rogers tied for the team lead with 15 points apiece while Emily Kelley added 13.  Kayla Atkins led the Eagles with nine rebounds.

Winthrop had a strong shooting night, hitting 42 percent from the floor including 64 percent in the first quarter.  Presbyterian shot 32 percent for the game and 34 percent from three-point range.  The Eagles won the rebounding battle 46-37.

WHAT'S UP NEXT

Winthrop will hit the road for its next two conference contests.  The Eagles will travel to Gardner-Webb for a 3 p.m. contest Saturday.