BLUFFTON, S.C. | The University of South Carolina-Beaufort defeated Georgia College & State University 70-61 in a Peach Belt Conference women's basketball matchup Wednesday (Feb. 4) evening at The Cove. 

The Sand Sharks improved to 13-7 overall and 10-3 in conference play, while the Bobcats fell to 7-14 overall and 3-10 in the Peach Belt. GCSU returns to the Centennial Center Saturday (Feb.7) to host Augusta University at 1:30 p.m. 

The Bobcats opened the game strong, as freshman guard Caroline Beavin knocked down a 3-pointer just one minute in. Deshona Gaither scored eight points in the opening quarter to help GCSU take a 14-12 lead at the end of the period.

The second quarter went back and forth, with both teams trading baskets throughout the 10 minutes. Junior Natalia Bolden scored the first seven points of the quarter to give the Bobcats a five-point advantage, but USC Beaufort responded. The Sand Sharks outscored GCSU 23-20 in the period to take a one point lead going into the break. 

Scoring slowed down in the third quarter, with GCSU scoring 11 points and USC Beaufort scoring nine. The lead changed seven times throughout the quarter, and the Bobcats held a 45-44 advantage heading into the final quarter.

GCSU struggled offensively during the opening minutes of the fourth quarter, allowing the Sand Sharks to build a seven point lead. Freshman Elizabeth Wynn ended the drought with a pair of free throws, but turnovers and fouls helped USC Beaufort extend its lead to double digits for the rest of the game to secure the win.

Bolden led the Bobcats with 18 points, followed by Gaither with 14. Beavin added 11 points for GCSU.

About GCSU Athletics 
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 11 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence, and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life." Sign up at @GCSUBobcats on all social media outlets for up-to-the-minute reports or subscribe to the GSCU Athletics e-newsletter to receive the latest news, schedule updates and to interact with GCSU Athletics.