LONG BEACH, Calif. (Interstat) — Candy Edokpaigbe scored 22 points and the San Francisco Dons used a dominant defensive fourth quarter to pull away from Long Beach State for a 68-55 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Thursday night at the Walter Pyramid.

The Dons, who improved to 3-2, held the 49ers to just six points in the final period, turning a tight contest into a comfortable double-digit win. Long Beach State remains winless at 0-5.

San Francisco built its lead on the strength of a 24-point second quarter, taking a 41-30 advantage into halftime. However, the 49ers clawed back in the third quarter, outscoring the Dons 19-13 to cut the deficit to just five points heading into the final frame.

The Dons’ defense then slammed the door, stifling the Long Beach State offense for the entirety of the fourth quarter. San Francisco’s ability to force turnovers was a key factor throughout the game; the 49ers committed 18 turnovers, which the Dons converted into 19 points. San Francisco also controlled the interior, outscoring Long Beach State 40-18 in the paint.

Edokpaigbe, a guard from Naples, Italy, was the game’s leading scorer, adding two assists in 35 minutes of action. She was supported by Mara Neira, who came off the bench to contribute 10 points, and Paula Tirado, who added eight points and two assists.

Long Beach State was led by JaQuoia Jones-Brown, who poured in 20 points and dished out four assists. Brynna Pukis also reached double figures for the 49ers, finishing with 14 points and three assists.

Despite the loss, Long Beach State was more efficient from the free-throw line, making 9 of 12 attempts compared to San Francisco’s 6 of 11. Both teams struggled from beyond the arc, with the Dons hitting 6 of 25 and the 49ers making just 4 of 14.

San Francisco’s defense was active all night, recording 10 steals and three blocks. The Dons also won the battle on the offensive glass, securing 12 offensive rebounds to Long Beach State’s seven.

The game was played in front of an announced crowd of 511 at the Walter Pyramid.

San Francisco now looks ahead to a home game against Lehigh on Tuesday. Long Beach State will try to secure its first win of the season on the road against Oregon State on Sunday.