LILLINGTON, N.C. (Interstat) — The Campbell women’s basketball team used a dominant first half and a stifling defensive effort to secure a 66-54 victory over Western Carolina on Wednesday night at John W. Pope, Jr. Convocation Center.

The Fighting Camels improved to 2-2 on the young season, while the Catamounts fell to 2-1.

Campbell seized control of the game with a decisive second quarter, outscoring Western Carolina 19-4 to turn a narrow 19-15 lead after the first period into a commanding 38-19 halftime advantage. The Catamounts’ offense went cold, managing just two field goals in the quarter as the Fighting Camels’ defense forced a series of turnovers that fueled their transition game.

Ciara Alexander led all scorers for Campbell with 17 points and added five rebounds. Jasmine Felton contributed 14 points and three assists, while Olivia Tucker recorded a double-double with 10 points, five rebounds and a game-high five steals.

Western Carolina was paced by Ally Hollifield’s 17 points. Kehinde Obasuyi added 11 points and Ellie Richardson chipped in 10 for the Catamounts, who mounted a fourth-quarter rally but could not overcome the large halftime deficit.

The game was ultimately decided by Campbell’s efficiency and ability to capitalize on Western Carolina’s mistakes. The Fighting Camels shot 50 percent from the field, making 27 of 54 attempts, and scored 44 of their points in the paint. They also converted 27 points off of 18 Western Carolina turnovers.

Despite struggling from beyond the arc, making only 2 of 10 three-point attempts, Campbell’s interior offense and defensive pressure proved too much. Western Carolina, by contrast, shot 35.7 percent from the floor but found success from deep, hitting 7 of 17 three-pointers, and was efficient from the free-throw line, making 17 of 20.

Campbell also won the battle on the glass, out-rebounding Western Carolina 13-8 on the offensive end, which led to 13 second-chance points.

The Catamounts showed life after halftime, outscoring Campbell 35-28 in the second half, including a 21-point fourth quarter, but the comeback bid fell short.

Campbell next travels to face Furman on Sunday. Western Carolina returns home to host Oklahoma on Sunday.