CLINTON, S.C. (Interstat) — The Winthrop Eagles used a dominant second-quarter surge to build an insurmountable lead and cruised to a 72-59 victory over the Presbyterian Blue Hose in a Big South Conference women’s basketball game Wednesday night at Templeton Center.

The Eagles, who improved to 13-15 overall, outscored the Blue Hose 22-8 in the decisive second period, turning a narrow 13-14 deficit after one quarter into a 35-22 halftime advantage. That 13-point margin proved more than enough as Winthrop maintained a double-digit lead for the entirety of the second half, despite a third-quarter push from the home team.

The most important part of the game was Winthrop’s stifling defensive performance in the second quarter, which fueled their offensive breakout. The Eagles forced a series of Presbyterian turnovers and converted them into easy baskets, establishing the tone and control they would not relinquish. That stretch effectively decided the contest.

Amourie Porter led all scorers with 22 points for Winthrop, adding two assists and a block in 36 minutes of action. She was instrumental in the second-quarter run, attacking the basket and getting to the free-throw line. Naomi Wilson provided a strong interior presence with 15 points, while Cori Lard contributed 14 points and four assists. Madison Ruff chipped in nine points and three assists.

For Presbyterian, which fell to 3-23, Aminata Tal scored 15 points and Daniella Velez added 11. Krystal Haddock and Amani Williams each finished with 10 points. The Blue Hose struggled with ball security, committing turnovers that led to 24 points for the Eagles. Winthrop also dominated inside, scoring 44 points in the paint compared to Presbyterian’s 28.

The game began as a back-and-forth affair, with Presbyterian holding a slim 14-13 lead after the first quarter thanks to a pair of three-pointers from Daniella Velez. The momentum shifted dramatically in the second period. Winthrop’s defense intensified, generating steals and rushed shots from the Blue Hose. The Eagles opened the quarter on a 14-0 run, with Porter, Lard, and Jada Ryce all converting opportunities in transition and around the rim. Presbyterian went scoreless for over six minutes, a drought from which they could not recover.

Presbyterian showed fight after halftime, outscoring Winthrop 21-16 in the third quarter behind seven points from Tal and five from Haddock, cutting the deficit to 51-43 entering the final frame. The Blue Hose got as close as eight points early in the fourth, but Winthrop responded with a quick 6-0 spurt, keyed by Porter and Wilson, to push the lead back to 14 and effectively seal the outcome.

The Eagles shot efficiently from the field while Presbyterian struggled from three-point range and the free-throw line. The victory completed a regular-season sweep for Winthrop, which defeated Presbyterian 74-42 on Jan. 28.

A crowd of 233 attended the conference matchup. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Winthrop entered the game with a 78.40 percent probability to win.

Winthrop next hosts UNC Asheville on Feb. 25, while Presbyterian travels to face UNC Asheville on Feb. 21.