GREENWOOD – The No. 21-ranked Lander women's basketball team opened the second quarter with a 25-4 run to break open a close game as the Bearcats earned their 16th consecutive victory, 76-59, over UNC Pembroke Wednesday night at Horne Arena.

Lander won its eighth straight against the Braves over the past four seasons, improving to 20-3 overall and 15-0 in the Peach Belt Conference.

UNC Pembroke fell to 10-13, 5-10.

Zamiya Passmore paced the Bearcats with 17 points and four assists while adding three steals.

Jessica Harris scored 15 points for Lander while leading the team with four steals, playing a part in forcing 31 UNC Pembroke turnovers. Harris is 11 points away from passing Mylea McKenith for fourth on the school's all-time scoring list.

Sarah Crews added 11 points for the Bearcats. Amiaya Melvins scored eight points and led Lander with seven rebounds. Aniaya Jester contributed seven points, three assists and two steals.

Shaniya Lester paced the Braves with 13 points, Alcenia Purnell added 11 points and Julian Ebron contributed nine points while leading the visitors with five rebounds.

The Bearcats led only 16-14 after one quarter but opened the second period with a 25-4 run to build a commanding 41-18 lead with three minutes until halftime.

Lander hit five of seven 3-point attempts during the run with Crews making treys on consecutive possessions while Jester, Harris and Cierra Revelle added one apiece. Passmore had two baskets and three assists during the run.

Harris made another 3 late in the half as the Bearcats outscored UNC Pembroke 28-10 in the second quarter. Lander led 44-24 at halftime.

Lester scored twice and Purnell made four of four free throws as the Braves scored the first nine points of the second half to pull within 44-33 with 7:15 left in the third.

UNC Pembroke got as close as 47-37 near the five-minute mark. But Lander used a 12-1 run to extend the lead to 59-38. Crews hit a 3 during the run, Harris had a steal and layup, Tabitha Dailey nailed a mid-range jumper, and Harris scored again off a turnover.

The Bearcats led 59-42 going into the final period.

Passmore's personal 7-0 run to open the fourth quarter extended Lander's lead to 66-42.

Revelle and Jakiyah Parker each made late 3s for Lander's final points of the night.

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