CARROLLTON, Ga. (Interstat) — The West Georgia Wolves used a dominant second-half defensive performance to overcome a strong start by Western Carolina and secure a 69-60 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Tuesday afternoon at The Coliseum.

Western Carolina’s Betsey Burnett led all scorers with 22 points, but it wasn’t enough to hold off a balanced West Georgia attack that saw four players score in double figures. Grace O’Gara paced the Wolves with 19 points, while Asia Donald added 13, Jasmine Jones scored 11 and Sydne Tolbert chipped in 10.

The game was a tale of two halves, dictated by a stifling West Georgia defense that forced 21 Catamount turnovers and converted them into 15 points.

Western Carolina came out firing, building a 25-20 lead after the first quarter behind an explosive start from Burnett. The Catamounts’ offense, however, went cold in the second quarter, managing only 10 points as the Wolves clawed back to make it a six-point game at halftime, with Western Carolina leading 35-29.

The third quarter proved to be the turning point. West Georgia’s defense tightened, holding the Catamounts to just 11 points in the period. Simultaneously, the Wolves’ offense found its rhythm, matching their first-quarter output with 20 points to take a 49-46 lead heading into the final frame.

West Georgia maintained its defensive pressure in the fourth quarter, again scoring 20 points while limiting Western Carolina’s opportunities. The Wolves sealed the game at the free-throw line down the stretch, ultimately pulling away for the nine-point victory.

Beyond the scoring, West Georgia’s ball movement and defensive activity were key differentiators. The Wolves dished out 14 assists compared to just six for the Catamounts and recorded 14 steals, led by Tolbert’s seven. Tolbert also facilitated the offense effectively, tying a game-high with seven assists.

For Western Carolina, Taj Hunter provided strong support for Burnett, finishing with 17 points and six rebounds. Ary Dizon contributed seven points, six rebounds and four assists for the Catamounts.

The loss drops Western Carolina to 2-5 on the season, while West Georgia improves to 3-2. The Catamounts will look to rebound Friday when they face Clemson in The Bahamas. West Georgia’s next contest is at home against UNC Wilmington on Dec. 3.