COCHRAN, Ga. – Faulkner never trailed by more than four points Thursday night as it used a late run to put away Middle Georgia State 64-50. The Lady Eagles pulled away with a late 18-2 run that began with a pair of Morgan Holland free throws at the end of the third quarter. Four different players knocked down shots during the stretch which culminated at the 3:22 mark of the fourth when Kinlee Varnell stole the ball and dished off to Angela Grant for a jumper that moved the Faulkner advantage to 17 points.

"Tonight was a grinder. I thought our team really competed and stayed the course throughout the game," Faulkner Head Coach Reed Sutton said. "It was good to have Morgan back and fresh. She really pushed us forward on the offensive end in the second half to get us the lead. She shot it well the whole game in her return."

The Lady Eagle defense did yeoman's work throughout the contest, forcing 19 turnovers while limiting Middle Georgia to eight points in the second quarter and nine points in the fourth.

On the offensive end, Varnell filled in at point guard, serving up six of the team's 17 assists while also grabbing seven rebounds and tallying six steals. Holland proved rejuvenated in her first action since Jan. 19. She poured in 23 points to go along with seven rebounds and three assists. Grant added 14 points and 13 rebounds for her 39th career double-double. Neely Johns finished with 12 points and seven boards.

"Kinlee really played a great floor game. She ran the team and distributed the ball well. She really dictated the game defensively by holding [Destanee Wright] under her average and getting six steals. Angela anchored us in the paint and on the glass. Neely attacked the rim well tonight. [Ella Jane Connell], [Lanie Henderson], [Torrae Osborne], and [Bridget Johnson] played really solid off the bench. We are very happy with the win. Middle Georgia is always a tough place to play."

Faulkner (19-6, 11-4 SSAC) returns to action Saturday when it hosts William Carey.