PEMBROKE – The visiting Lander Bearcats used 52 points in the second half compared to 18 scored by the UNC Pembroke women's basketball team to deal the Braves their first loss, 72-39, in Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday afternoon on Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court in Pembroke.

The loss was the second-straight for UNCP (3-3, 0-1 PBC), while the Bearcats (5-2, 1-0) captured their fourth victory in the last five games.

Freshman Avery Locklear led the Braves with seven points, while senior Mary Robinson chipped in six. In the rebounding column, Jonissa Monley held a team-best eight boards, while Phoenicia Lawson and LaShonda Prichard picked up seven each. Robinson snatched up a trio of assists and Jasmine Huntley posted three of UNCP's seven assists.

Despite suffering 25 turnovers and allowing Lander to capitalize on those mistakes for 24 points, the Braves trailed the Bearcats by a mere four rebounds, 44-40.

The Braves were down by three points after the first 10 minutes of action, 17-14, and carried forth in the second quarter with strong defense to hold the Bearcats to just three points on just a trio of foul shots. Locklear drained a long 3-pointer with 3:24 left before the half to give UNCP the one-point advantage and the Black and Gold held the lead into the third quarter.

Sannayyiah Johnson registered a game-high 17 points, while Bre Crum and Jada Wallace contributed 13 and 10 points, respectively to the Bearcats' offense. Wallace was a rebound shy of a double-double with nine boards, while Crum grabbed four steals and Ty'Hesha Reynolds had five assists.

The Braves will look regroup on December 13 as they play host to the Apprentice School (1-4) with tip slated for 2 p.m.