AMERICUS, Ga. – Sadie Russell had a pair of game-highs with 27 points and 11 rebounds as Flagler College held off a late Georgia Southwestern State University rally to prevail 82-78 in a non-conference women's basketball game Sunday afternoon at the Storm Dome.

Flagler evened its overall record at 1-1 while today was the season opener for Georgia Southwestern.

"It was a good team win on the road against a tough and scrappy Georgia Southwestern team," said head coach Mo Smith. "There was a four-minute stretch in the fourth quarter where we finally got some defensive stops and executed against their zone to pull away."

The Saints held a 77-65 lead with 2:46 left in the game after a pair of Marta Franco free throws, but the Lady Hurricanes went on a 13-4 run over the next 2:27 to make it a one possession game (81-78). Lex Chatham's three-pointer with 10 seconds left capped the spurt.

With four seconds left, Daelyn Craig fouled Tori Pearce, which sent Pearce to the line for two free throws. She missed the first, but was able to make the second to put the game out of reach.

Russell was a perfect 6-for-6 from behind the 3-point arc and was 8-for-11 from the field. Pearce poured in 22 points for the Saints and added eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Jaziana Mathis tacked on 12 points and grabbed five rebounds. N'Mya Pierce corralled 10 boards.

Flagler's transition game was a factor as it led to 18 fast break points. The Saints also made 21 free throws.

Georgia Southwestern, who only had the lead for 1:25 in the entire game, was led by Jamesha Samuel's 20 points. Chatman added 19 points while Craig recorded a double-double with 14 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Yasmin Perez dished out a game-high seven assists.

Flagler will take on Jacksonville University tomorrow (Dec. 14) at 7 p.m. at Swisher Gymnasium. That game will be broadcast live on ESPN+ and is an exhibition game for the Saints.

NOTE: Flagler has won 10-of-the-last-12 games against Georgia Southwestern.  

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