ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Interstat) — The Winthrop Eagles used a stifling defensive performance to secure a 66-45 victory over the South Carolina State Bulldogs in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at SHM Memorial Center.

The Eagles improved to 5-4 on the season, while the Bulldogs fell to 2-6.

Winthrop’s defense was the story of the game, forcing South Carolina State into 15 turnovers and converting those mistakes into 23 points. The Eagles also registered 12 steals and four blocked shots, with Tocarra Johnson of Crockett, Texas, leading the way with four blocks to go along with nine rebounds.

Offensively, Winthrop was led by Cori Lard of Davenport, Iowa, who scored a game-high 16 points and added four rebounds and four assists. Mya Pierfax of Lake Elsinore, California, contributed 13 points, five rebounds and four assists. The Eagles shot 41.8 percent from the floor and outscored the Bulldogs 30-24 in the paint.

South Carolina State struggled to find an offensive rhythm, shooting 33.3 percent from the field. Feliah Greer of Lafayette, Alabama, recorded a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulldogs. Shaunice Reed of Seattle, Washington, also scored 12 points.

The game remained competitive through the first half, but Winthrop began to create separation before halftime and maintained control throughout the second half. The Eagles’ ability to capitalize on Bulldog errors and their balanced scoring attack proved too much for the home team to overcome.

Winthrop returns to action Wednesday at home against JWU Charlotte. South Carolina State travels to face UNC Asheville on Wednesday.