CHARLOTTE, NC --The Saint Augustine's women's basketball team fought back from a 40-39 deficit after the third quarter to beat the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls 59-44, aided by an imposing defensive performance on the road Saturday.

The Falcons (12-10, 6-8) had two players score in double figures, led by Taniyah Greene, who had 14 points and six rebounds. Lauren Banks added 13 points and two steals and Joscelyn Meyers added nine points and two steals.

Led by Janiya Reed's four offensive rebounds, Saint Augustine's did a great job crashing the offensive glass, pulling down 10 boards that resulted in eight second chance points.

The Saint Augustine's defense held Johnson C. Smith shooters to just 26.8 percent from the field. The Falcons also kept Kelis Carmon to 2-of-12 shooting and 10 points in the game. The Golden Bulls did not get many second opportunities on the offensive end, as they grabbed only six offensive rebounds and scored six second chance points while Saint Augustine's pulled down 19 defensive rebounds.

How It Happened

Saint Augustine's kept it close in the first quarter, but entered the second frame down 14-10.

Johnson C. Smith kept adding to that lead, building a 16-10 advantage before Saint Augustine's went on an 11-0 run, highlighted by a three from Banks, to take a 21-16 lead. The Golden Bulls then came roaring back to take a 29-25 lead heading into halftime.

Johnson C. Smith continued to increase its lead after halftime, building a 37-32 advantage before Saint Augustine's went on a 7-0 run to grab a 39-37 lead with 31 seconds to go in the third. Johnson C. Smith responded to seize a 40-39 lead entering the fourth quarter. Saint Augustine's played well near the basket, scoring eight of its 14 points in the paint.

Johnson C. Smith kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 43-41 advantage before Saint Augustine's went on a 16-0 run to seize a 57-43 lead with 54 seconds to go in the contest. The Falcons kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 59-44 win. Saint Augustine's took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring 14 of its 20 points in the paint.

Game Notes

» The Falcons rallied from a one-point 40-39 third quarter deficit to pick up the win.
» The Falcons shot well from three point range, knocking down four of 10 long range attempts.
» The Falcons held the Golden Bulls to only 26.8 percent shooting from the field.
» The Falcons forced 25 Johnson C. Smith turnovers while committing only 14 on the other end.
» Saint Augustine's had a 29-25 edge on the boards in the win.
» Saint Augustine's cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 10 offensive boards in the game.
» Taniyah Greene led the Falcons with a game-high 14 points.
» Saint Augustine's got a team-high eight rebounds from Chrissy Faison.

Up Next

The Falcons continue their road swing by visiting Livingstone College on Wednesday with top off set for 5:30pm.