PULASKI, Tenn. - A hot start turned ice cold for Faulkner here Saturday afternoon, as 21st-ranked Martin Methodist took advantage en route to a 68-44 Southern States Athletic Conference victory at the Christian Curry Life Center.

The Lady Eagles (4-9 overall, 0-3 SSAC) led by eight after the first quarter, but made only five baskets in 32 combined attempts in the second and third periods as the RedHawks raced away. After a slow start, Martin Methodist (11-3 overall, 3-0 SSAC) warmed up and Faulkner couldn't answer. Reed Sutton's team also had a tough time taking care of the basketball in the decisive third quarter, turning it over nine times as the RedHawks turned a six-point halftime lead into a 53-31 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes of play. Faulkner never got closer the rest of the way, with the largest lead coming at 66-38 with 4:38 to play.

"We started off really well, but just couldn't sustain it," said Sutton, whose team dropped its sixth straight game. "We're having too many stretches where we lose focus and concentration. The third quarter was the key. In addition to the nine turnovers we had way too many fouls and it ended any chance we had. We just have to get back to work and stay positive."

Faith LeGate had 17 points to lead Faulkner, with Savana Flack adding nine - hitting her first three 3-point attempts in the opening quarter. Kyoko Wade's 18 points and Brionna Taylor's 17 points were tops for the RedHawks, who also got 11 from Karson Mullens. For the game, the Lady Eagles converted just 26 percent of their shots, and were outrebounded 43-35.

Flack caught fire early, nailing a trio of 3-pointers in the opening quarter, while the Lady Eagles' zone defense was causing problems for the ReHawks. Faulkner led 15-7 after 10 minutes, with Martin Methodist making only 27 percent of its shots and committing seven turnovers. Things turned quickly in the second period, however. With four different players each knocking down at least a pair of baskets, Martin Methodist quickly got back in it. 

Taylor's seven points were the key in a second quarter that saw the RedHawks outscore Faulkner 23-9 to take a 30-24 lead at the half. The second-quarter dominance was punctuated by 10-of-17 shooting from the floor by the hosts, while Faulkner struggled to make a shot.

The Lady Eagles are in McKenzie, Tenn., Monday night to face SSAC rival Bethel, which is ranked fifth in the latest NIAA Top 25 poll. The game tips off at 5:30.