Florence, S.C. – In the final road game of the 2012-13 regular season, the UNCP women's basketball could not make up for a 14-point halftime deficit, as Francis Marion topped the Lady Braves, 73-70, in Peach Belt Conference action Wednesday Night inside of the Smith University Center.

Francis Marion (12-13, 6-12 PBC) has completed the regular season sweep of UNCP (12-15, 6-12) with tonight's victory. The Patriots won earlier this season in Pembroke, and now sit at 37-20 all-time against the Lady Braves. 

Jazmine Kemp recorded her fifth double-double of the season, with game-highs in both points and rebounding, totaling 21 points and 12 rebounds. Kemp has scored in double figures in four-straight games for the Black and Gold. Kamille Horne added 20 points on 5-of-12 shooting from 3-point territory. The Lady Braves got another strong performance from Kierra Haney, who finished the night with nine points and 10 boards. 

The Patriots had three athletes with double-digit scoring efforts, including a team-high from reserve Kim Roach. Dee Gray and Kristen Dickerson chipped in 15 points and 13 points, respectively, to the Francis Marion offense. Gray led the team on offense, pulling down nine rebounds and grabbing three steals. 

Francis Marion's biggest advantage came in turnover margin, with just 13 turnovers compared to 18 from UNCP. The Patriots were able to make 24 points off of UNCP turnovers. The teams were fairly even in other statistical categories, including 28 points apiece in the paint. The Patriots slightly out-rebounded the Lady Braves, 37-35, but UNCP was able to create more fast break opportunities, scoring 17 points on the fast break. 

"I thought we really played poorly on both ends of the court the last few minutes of first half, particularly on defense. We gave them some open looks and open shots, and then on offense turned the ball over, and that was the difference in the game," said UNCP head coach John Haskins. "We fought back in the second half and did well, we did some really good things. We just couldn't get over the hump in the second half. So I'm disappointed with first half, but proud of the way we fought back and competed in the second half." 

The Patriots rode a 14-point lead into the second half and did not fall behind once in the final 20 minutes of play. The Lady Braves were able to trim the deficit to single digits, 46-37, after a made free throw from Kemp, and a triple from Haney brought the Black and Gold within six, 46-40, at the 17:00 mark. After a jumper from Taylor Gallentine, UNCP was only trailing the Patriots by three, 51-48, with 12:30 remaining in the game. The Lady Braves were able to keep the second half close, but Francis Marion continued to stay in control of the game. Horne drained a trey with 12 seconds remaining, bringing the score to 72-70, but Francis Marion would finish out on a good free throw by Briana Robinson, ending the game 73-70, in favor of the Patriots. 

The first half saw six lead changes and four ties, before the Patriots went on an offensive surge with three minutes to go before the intermission. The 11-0 run was sparked by back-to-back layups from Gray, and ended with a 3-point bucket from Erin Pinkett, giving Francis Marion a 17-point lead, 41-25 over the Lady Braves. Courtney Bolton hit a basket from downtown for the Black and Gold, bringing the score to 44-30 before halftime.

The Lady Braves will conclude their 2012-13 regular season at home on Saturday, as they host No. 16 USC Aiken (19-6, 12-6) in the front half of a basketball double header in the English E. Jones Center. Tip is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.