CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — The College of Charleston women’s basketball team used a dominant second quarter to seize control and never looked back, defeating UNC Wilmington 81-61 in a Colonial Athletic Association game at TD Arena on Friday night.

The Cougars, who entered the contest with a 98.6% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, improved to 19-3 overall and solidified their position atop the conference. The Seahawks fell to 5-17, still seeking their first CAA victory of the season.

For much of the first quarter, UNC Wilmington held its own. The Seahawks led 18-14 after the opening period, fueled by early baskets from Kylah Silver and a three-pointer from Rori Cox. The Cougars struggled with turnovers, giving the ball away six times in the first ten minutes.

The entire complexion of the game shifted dramatically in the second quarter. College of Charleston’s defense locked in, forcing seven Seahawk turnovers and converting them into easy offense. The Cougars erupted for a 23-point quarter while holding UNC Wilmington to just 12 points. A 17-2 run over a five-minute span turned a four-point deficit into a double-digit lead. Grace Ezebilo was a force inside during the surge, scoring six points, while Jami Hill provided a spark off the bench with a quick five points, including a three-pointer.

The most important part of the game was this decisive second-quarter surge. It established a tone of defensive pressure and offensive efficiency that the Seahawks could not counter. The 23 points off turnovers the Cougars scored for the game, compared to just nine for UNCW, was a direct product of this period. After leading 37-30 at halftime, Charleston extended its lead in the third quarter, outscoring UNCW 22-17 to take a 59-47 advantage into the final period. The Seahawks never got closer than 12 points in the fourth quarter as the Cougars maintained their offensive rhythm and defensive intensity to close out the win.

Mary Ferrito led all scorers with 23 points for UNC Wilmington, playing all 40 minutes. Kylah Silver added 16 points and Rori Cox finished with 13 points and four assists.

College of Charleston showcased a balanced and efficient attack. Grace Ezebilo, a 6-foot-1 forward from Nigeria, posted 15 points and was a defensive presence. The backcourt duo of Taryn Barbot and Taylor Barbot, both from Floral Park, New York, orchestrated the offense, combining for 24 points and 14 assists. Taryn Barbot filled the stat sheet with 13 points, seven assists and four steals, while Taylor Barbot contributed 11 points, seven assists and three steals. Tyja Beans added 13 points and four assists, and reserve Anilys Rolon hit three three-pointers in just four minutes of action for nine points.

The Cougars dominated inside, outscoring the Seahawks 36-22 in the paint, and their defensive pressure was the catalyst for the victory. The win was Charleston’s second this season over UNC Wilmington, having previously won 71-37 in Wilmington on Jan. 23.

A crowd of 567 attended the game at TD Arena.

UNC Wilmington will look to rebound when it hosts North Carolina A&T on Feb. 13. College of Charleston hits the road for its next contest, facing Northeastern on Feb. 13.