FLORENCE, S.C. — Kiara Croskey had a game-high 23 points to lead Francis Marion University to a Conference Carolinas women's basketball win at home over Ferrum College, with a final score of 67–61 this afternoon at Smith University Center.

RECORDS
Francis Marion: 10–7, 7–2 CC
Ferrum: 6–12, 4–6 CC

THE BASICS
Allyson Cassell gave Ferrum the early lead with a layup 41 seconds into the game. Francis Marion scored the next six points on a three-pointer, a layup, and a free throw. The Patriots expanded the lead to seven points late in the first quarter, but Breyana Kimmons' three-pointer in the waning seconds cut it to 15–11 after one.

Kimmons drilled another three-pointer 40 seconds into the second quarter to cut the lead to one point, then was fouled and made two free throws to give Ferrum a 16–15 lead at the 8:43 mark. On Ferrum's next possession, Maslyn Mosbacher made a layup, was fouled, and converted the ensuing free throw to put Ferrum up 19–15 at 8:22. The Patriots battled back, using an 18–10 run to take a 33–29 lead at the break.

Francis Marion grew the lead to eight points early in the third quarter, but Ferrum responded and made it a 47–46 game on Erin Harden's layup at the 3:13 mark. FMU remained in front, taking a 51–49 lead into the fourth quarter. The two teams played evenly for most of the final period, with FMU extending the lead to eight points twice before hanging on for the league win.

KEY STATS
Francis Marion: Croskey 23 pts, 8 steals, 6 reb; Jasmine Grant 11 pts, 7 reb; Uriah Jennings 10 pts
Ferrum: Kimmons 17 pts; Mosbacher 15 pts; Harden 8 pts; Cassell 8 pts

UP NEXT
Coach Bryan Harvey's team will be back on the court Saturday, January 24, at Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. The Conference Carolinas doubleheader is set for a 2:00 p.m. women's tip-off and will be followed by the men's game at 4:00 p.m..