PEMBROKE – Using an 18-7 scoring advantage in the third quarter, the UNC Pembroke women's basketball team regained the lead and turned back the visiting Fayetteville State Broncos, 63-56, in the 2015 regular season opener at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court on Tuesday evening.

Freshman Avery Locklear picked up a game-high 16 points for UNCP (1-0) in her collegiate debut as she knocked down four 3-pointers, while Jonissa Monley added 12 points and Se'Dasia Love had 11. Monley was one rebound shy of a double-double as she snatched nine boards, while senior Mary Robinson had a trio of blocks and Chandrica Fuller dished out four assists.

The Braves put up 26 points in the paint and collected 14 points off of 17 turnovers by the Broncos. Bench players gave UNCP 34 points compared to 19 from Fayetteville State, while UNCP had 13 second-chance points after claiming nine offensive rebounds. The Braves finished the contest shooting 39.3 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from the arc and an astounding 72.2 percent from the charity stripe.

Locklear put the Braves on the board first with a trey in the first 10 seconds of the contest, but the Broncos outscored UNCP 21-9 in the first period. The Black and Gold added 17 points in the second period compared to 11 by Fayetteville State, but trailed 32-26 at the half.

A strong offensive presence in the third period pushed the Braves past the Broncos with a 23-7 run and the hosts held a 44-39 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Tactical UNCP defense held off a comeback attempt in the final period as the Broncos were unable to chip away at the 10-point lead.

Makayla Williams led the Broncos with 15 points, while Doreen Richardson logged 10. Bria Robinson posted nine points and nine rebounds, while Richardson and Shamiaya Battle each had six assists. 

UNCP looks to continue its winning ways on Saturday as the Braves welcome regional opponent Coker (1-1) to Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court for a 1 p.m. tipoff. Admission to the contest will be free.