ROME -- After a back and forth first half, the Lady Hawks pulled away in the third quarter to cruise to the 83-63 win over Mississippi College.

With the win, Shorter improves to 5-12 on the season and 3-8 in conference play; while MC slips to 6-12 overall and 2-10 in the GSC.

Shorter led by five at the end of the first quarter, before the Lady Choctaws came back in the second to take the lead midway through. Only to have the Lady Hawks regain the advantage and close out the period with a three-point advantage. MC closed the gap in the opening second of the third, with a layup from Kelley Allen to make it a 35-34 game in their advantage. But, from there it was all Shorter, as the Lady Hawks regained the lead and led by as many as 11 late in the frame.

Shorter put the game away early in the fourth, as Jasmine Gaines sparked a 19-4 run with a three in the opening minutes of the period, that extended the Lady Hawks' advantage to twenty-six, 79-53, with 5:21 to play. And, from there, didn't look back as they were able to maintain the advantage and hold on for the win.

For the night the Lady Hawks shot 51 percent; while MC finished with 36 percent night from the field.

Gaines led all scorers with 25 points; while BreAnna Thompson turned in her second consecutive double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Bianca Thornton added 10 points.

Allen led the effort for the Lady Choctaws with 16 points.

The Lady Hawks will be back in action on the road Thursday at Union. Game time is set for 7:00pm ET.