BERKELEY, Calif. (Interstat) — The Charlotte 49ers used a dominant second-quarter surge to pull away from the Oakland Golden Grizzlies and secure a 66-41 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Sunday at Haas Pavilion.

The game was closely contested in the opening period, with Oakland holding a narrow 18-16 lead after one quarter. The Golden Grizzlies’ offense, however, went cold in the second quarter, managing just seven points. Charlotte capitalized fully, erupting for 20 points to take a commanding 36-25 lead into halftime and never looked back.

The 49ers maintained their defensive pressure after the break, holding Oakland to just eight points in the third quarter to extend their advantage. The Golden Grizzlies were unable to mount a comeback in the final frame, scoring another eight points as Charlotte closed out the win.

Zoe Best led all scorers and was the engine for the Charlotte offense. The guard from St. Louis, Missouri, finished with 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists in 31 minutes of action. Her backcourt partner, Taliah Cornish of Atlanta, Georgia, facilitated the offense with a game-high six assists.

Charlotte’s interior defense was anchored by Caitlin Staley of Augusta, Georgia. The 6-foot-4 forward contributed five points, seven rebounds, and four blocked shots in just 13 minutes. Asianae Nicholson from South Euclid, Ohio, added six points and six rebounds, while Princess Anderson of Beaumont, Texas, chipped in eight points.

For Oakland, Filippa Goula of Ano Liosia, Greece, was the primary offensive threat, scoring a team-high 13 points to go along with five rebounds. Point guard Makenzie Luehring from Jackson, Wisconsin, filled the stat sheet with seven points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Layla Gold of Indianapolis provided a presence inside, scoring eight points, grabbing five rebounds, and recording two blocks.

The loss drops Oakland’s season record to 2-3. The Golden Grizzlies will look to rebound on the road against Michigan State next Sunday.

Charlotte evened its record at 3-3 with the victory. The 49ers return home to face Wofford next Saturday.