PEMBROKE – A strong presence in the post gave the UNCP women's basketball team the advantage in Tuesday's 64-57 victory over Fayetteville State as three athletes gathered double figures in scoring and outrebounded the Lady Broncos in the 2011-12 home opener in the English E. Jones Center.

With the victory, UNCP (2-2) snapped Fayetteville State's (3-1) unbeaten streak this season and stretched its winning streak in the series to two games. Seniors DeDe Cotten and Domonique Washington shared a team-high 14 points, while junior Courtney Bolton added 13. Spearheading the defense was freshman Jazmine Kemp with 11 rebounds as Washington snatching five steals and dishing out eight assists.

Despite allowing the Lady Broncos to gain the first points of the game, the Lady Braves commanded a 13 point lead on the drained three pointer by Washington, until Fayetteville State attempted a run for the lead. The Black and Gold entered halftime with ahead by five points, but the Blue and White regained strength in the second half and tied the game up for the fourth time with less than 17 minutes left to play. 

The Lady Braves hit a hot streak beginning on the fast break layup by Washington and ultimately the made foul shot for the three-point play. Bolton added four points and Washington gained another two to bring the lead to 10 at the 15:24 mark.  The squad matched its greatest lead at 13 points with less than five minutes remaining in the game, and finished with a seven point victory.

Cotton was a force to be reckoned with at the three-point line as she was 4-of-9, and overall 5-of-10 in field goal shooting. Washington was 80 percent from the free throw line, and nailed two three pointers in her 39 minutes of action.

"It was good to get back home, and we are very happy for the win because Fayetteville State is a quality team," said UNCP head coach John Haskins. "The last thing I said before we left the locker room was that the word for tonight was rebounding and with them coming in averaging around 50 rebounds per game and us rebounding around 30 per game, and if we didn't rebound well then we would struggle."

Fayetteville State was directed by Akysia Resper with a game-high 19 points and a shared team-high five rebounds. The Lady Broncos posted a better shooting percentage than UNCP with  43.8 percent compared to 39.7 percent, but suffered 19 turnovers and only 33 rebounds as the Lady Braves had 17 turnovers and 36 rebounds. UNCP dished out 21 assists compared to Fayetteville State's five. 

The Black and Gold will continue at home on Thursday when the squad hosts NAIA opponent Morris (0-9) in the English E. Jones Center with tipoff slated for 5:30 p.m. with the UNCP men following the conclusion of the women's game at approximately 7:30 p.m. Admission prices are $5 for adults and $2 for children 18 years of age and younger. UNCP students are admitted free with a valid Braves Card.

To watch the full game click HERE.