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AMERICUS, GA. – The Chowan women’s basketball team shot 70 percent in the fourth quarter to overcome a double-digit halftime deficit to earn the first victory of the season, 68-66, in its season opener against Columbus State here Friday afternoon.

Aniah Patterson led the team with 19 points. Yasmine Brown tallied 11 points, while Imani Hickman and Tyaysia Sharpe posted eight points each. Sharpe added seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.

Destiny Robinson led the team with 11 rebounds and six blocks to go with seven points.

The Hawks would out-rebound the Cougars, 55-45.

Columbus State appeared in the NCAA Division II National Tournament in 2021-2022.

Trailing 38-28 at halftime, Chowan rallied behind the play of Sharpe, Hickman, and Brown to battle to within 50-47 at the end of the third period.

Hot shooting by the Hawks in the fourth quarter kept them within striking distance. Patterson knocked down a three-pointer, Robinson picked up a pair at the stripe, and Brown added a bucket before a pair of layups by Patterson closed the gap to 59-58 with 4:04 remaining.

Keibra Hopkins hit a jumper following a steal by Sharpe to knot the score at 65-all with less than a minute to play. Robinson would corral a missed shot and pick up a point at the stripe to take the lead. Another missed shot by the Cougars forced a foul and Sharpe sank two at the stripe to push Chowan’s lead to 68-65 and the Hawks held on from that point.

Chowan had a short time to celebrate that win that they took on Georgia Southwestern the next day (Saturday).

A 14-4 run by Georgia Southwestern at the outset of the third quarter broke open a tight game (Chowan trailed 31-28 at halftime) and they went on to hand the Hawks at 65-52 setback.

Robinson collected her first double-double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds to go with four blocks. Brown posted eight points, while Sharpe added seven.

Chowan (1-1 overall) has their home opener on Wednesday, Nov. 16 against Virginia State. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 pm.