CHARLESTON, S.C. - Georgia Southern women's basketball opened up the second half on a 13-2 run to break open a tight first half and cruise to a 96-65 victory over host Charleston Southern on Sunday afternoon at the Buccaneer Fieldhouse in Charleston, S.C.

The Eagles moved to 2-0 on the season with the victory, while Charleston Southern falls to 1-2.

Georgia Southern led by nine at the break, 48-29, but held the Bucs to just one field goal over the first five minutes of the third period to stretch their lead to 61-32 at the first media time out.

The Eagles then cruised to the victory by holding the Bucs - who had shot 7-of-14 from three-point range in the first half - to just 1-of-10 threes in the second half to collect the win.

Georgia Southern paced five players in double figures, led by Simones James' team-high 18 points. Diamond Stokes added 17 points, while Terren Ward (12), Taya Gibson (11) and Paris Miller (11) also reached double figures. Charleston Southern was led by Sha'Mya Leigh's game-high 20 points.

Eagle of the Game
Stokes registered a season-high 17 points. on 8-of-9 shooting from the floor, also grabbing three rebounds and picking up a steal. It was her second straight game in double figures since joining the Eagles.

Stat of the Game
The Eagles dominated the contest in the point, holding a 52-26 edge in points in the paint over the Bucs.

Quotables
Head Coach Anita Howard on the difference between the first half and the second half
"When we are able to score in transition, and knock down our free throws, it just makes our job easier. Basketball is a game of momentum. It felt like we were down at halfitme, but I told our players that you have to weather the highs and lows. We weathered their 3 point tornado in the first half. But hats off to coach Garcia, she's going to do a great job with this program."

Next Up
Georgia Southern returns to action on Saturday, visiting Gardner-Webb for a 5 p.m. contest against the Runnin' Bulldogs in Boiling Springs, N.C.