CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The Samford women's basketball team outscored Western Carolina 32-14 in the second quarter on its way to a 72-57 win over the Catamounts Saturday evening at the Ramsey Center.
 
With the win, Samford improved its record to 12-14 overall and 4-7 in Southern Conference play. Western Carolina improved its mark to 6-20 overall and 1-10 in league play.
 
Samford was led in the win by Sadie Stetson with 14 points and seven rebounds. Masyn Marchbanks scored 13 points for the Bulldogs, while Carly Heidger had 11 points and Emily Bowman had 10 points and eight rebounds.
 
For Western Carolina, Lonasia Brewer led the way with 20 points. Tyja Beans added 10 points for the Catamounts.
 
The teams traded baskets throughout most of the first quarter. Western Carolina was able to take a 16-11 lead with 1:21 to go in the first period after a layup by Audrey Meyers. A three-pointer by Samford's Stetson cut the lead to 16-14 at the end of the first quarter.
 
In the second quarter, with Western Carolina leading, 19-17, Samford went on an 8-0 run to take a 25-19 lead with 7:06 left in the period after a free throw by Alonya Waldon. The Bulldogs pushed their lead to nine points at 29-20 with 5:38 left before halftime after a pair of free throws by Kennedy Langham. After WCU cut the lead to 29-22, Samford went on a 13-1 run to push its lead to 19 points at 42-23 with 2:02 left in the quarter after a jumper by Heidger. Samford took a 46-30 lead into the locker room at halftime.
 
Western Carolina closed to within 13 points at 46-33 with 8:55 left in the third quarter after a three-point play by Brewer. Samford extended its lead back to 18 points at 57-39 with 2:03 left in the third period following a three-pointer by Marchbanks. Western Carolina scored the final five points of the third quarter to cut the Samford lead to 57-44 entering the final period.
 
Samford extended its lead to 18 points at 66-48 with 6:50 to go after a three-pointer by Stetson. Western Carolina scored the next five points to cut the lead to 13 points at 66-53 with 5:23 to go. The Catamounts, however, could get no closer as Samford pulled out the 72-57 win.
 
Samford will return home to play host to the Wofford Terriers on Thursday, Feb. 22. The game is set for a 6 p.m. start from the Pete Hanna Center.


 
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For the latest news and information on Samford women's basketball, visit the official website for Samford Athletics at SamfordSports.com. Fans can also follow the Bulldogs on social media at /SamfordWomensBasketball (Facebook), @SamfordWBB (Instagram) and @SamfordWBB (Twitter).