NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (Interstat) — The Longwood Lancers used a dominant third-quarter surge to pull away from the Charleston Southern Buccaneers and secure an 83-63 victory in a Big South Conference women’s basketball game Wednesday night at CSU Field House.

Longwood, which improved to 11-4 overall, turned a competitive first half into a comfortable win by outscoring Charleston Southern 26-21 in the pivotal third period. The Lancers entered the quarter with a 36-23 halftime lead and quickly expanded it, showcasing a balanced offensive attack that kept the Buccaneers at arm’s length for the remainder of the contest.

The most critical sequence of the game came early in the third quarter. Leading 38-29, Longwood’s defense ignited a decisive run. A steal by Jasmine Peaks led to a transition opportunity, and after an offensive rebound, Jamya Robinson was fouled and converted two free throws. Charleston Southern’s Caelan Ellis answered with a 3-pointer, but Longwood responded with a 7-0 spurt. Malea Brown hit a pull-up jumper, then sank two free throws after drawing a foul. Following a Charleston Southern turnover, Amor Harris connected on a jump shot to push the Lancers’ lead to 47-32, effectively stifling any hope of a Buccaneers rally.

Ellis, a 5-foot-6 guard from Powder Springs, Georgia, was a bright spot for Charleston Southern, finishing with a game-high 26 points in 32 minutes. She scored 11 points in the third quarter alone, but her individual effort was not enough to counter Longwood’s depth.

The Lancers placed four players in double figures, led by Harris’s 20 points. Brown, a 5-5 guard from Putnam Hall, Florida, added 17 points, two assists and a block. Frances Ulysse of Montreal contributed 14 points, while Jasmine Peaks of Palm Bay, Florida, chipped in 12 points and four assists. Otaifo Esenabhalu provided a significant boost off the bench with 11 points and multiple offensive rebounds.

For Charleston Southern, which fell to 4-12, Tyonna Bailey supported Ellis with 14 points, and Nevaeh Jones added 10 points.

Longwood established control from the opening tip, leading 16-11 after a first quarter marked by early turnovers from both sides. The Lancers extended their advantage in the second quarter, holding the Buccaneers to just 12 points to take a 13-point lead into the locker room. The third-quarter explosion then sealed the outcome, allowing Longwood to cruise through the final period in front of an announced crowd of 68.

The Lancers’ defense was disruptive throughout, generating steals and converting them into points. Longwood also controlled the interior, capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.

Longwood next travels to face UNC Asheville on Saturday. Charleston Southern will visit Winthrop, also on Saturday.

The game was played as part of the Big South Conference schedule. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Longwood entered the contest with a 75.20 percent probability to win.