GREENWOOD, S.C. – Third-ranked Lander used an overwhelming rebounding advantage to carry the lead for a majority of the game as the Bearcats toughed out a 75-55 win over visiting UNCP in the Peach Belt Conference opener for both teams on Tuesday evening at Horne Arena.

Briana Stanton and DayDay Ray each scored 13 points to pace the Lady Braves (2-1, 0-1 PBC). Kristen Hobbs knocked in nine points on 3-of-5 shooting from the perimeter, while Domonique Washington registered five assists and as many rebounds.

Kaylyn Small registered a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Lander (5-0, 1-0), while Tasheba Butler and Shannon McKever both finished with 12 points apiece. Ciara Lyons had a game-high seven assists, with Nardia Robbins chipping in three steals for the Lady Bearcats.

Two free throws by JaToya Kemp marked the first points of the contest and gave the Lady Braves their biggest lead of the game. UNCP was able to stay competitive with the Lady Bearcats during the first five minutes with the lead swinging back and forth, but a menacing full court defense by the hosts would, inevitably, lead to 13 turnovers for the Black and Gold by halftime. Lander would tote a 46-25 lead into the break.

The Lady Braves grabbed the momentum early in the second half with a layup by Ray and a jumper by Stanton, but the Black and Gold got into foul trouble with 10 minutes remaining in the game in an attempt to stop the Bearcats from increasing the lead. Despite the attempt of UNCP to climb back from a 21-point shortfall, the team remained consistent in play compared to the Bearcats.

 "This was a physical game and Lander is an aggressive and competitive team," said UNCP head coach John Haskins. "We were out-rebounded and gave up too many turnovers, but we can evaluate the situation and work on it before we play Fayetteville State on Saturday."

UNCP continues its road trip against Fayetteville State (0-3) on Saturday at Felton J. Capel Arena in Fayetteville. Tip off is slated for 2 p.m.