Muskogee, Okla. – The Bacone College Lady Warriors built a big lead early and then held off the Mid-America Christian University Lady Evangels' late charge to win 77-71 in a Sooner Athletic Conference matchup today (Jan. 21) in Muskogee, Okla.

The Lady Warriors took control early in the first quarter by scoring 14 straight points that turned a one-point deficit into a 17-4 lead at the 5:06 mark.

Bacone never relinquished command the rest of the way, leading 23-10 at the end of the opening period and then building up to a 39-22 advantage at the break.

The Lady Warriors led by as much as 26 in the third quarter and carried a 61-41 edge into the fourth period.

It was still a 19-point lead for the Lady Warriors of 77-58 when the Lady Evangels made a final push over the remaining 2:22.

The Lady Evangels scored the final 13 points of the game, but the push proved to be too late.

Sarai Rodriguez scored 16 points to lead the Lady Evangels (13-6, 4-4 SAC, while Tamiyjah Smith had 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds.

Jessica Fairley also scored in double-figures with a career-high 13 points for the Lady Evangels.

The Lady Warriors got a double-double each from Cierra Miles and Ashley Barry-Wallace. Miles had 27 points and 10 rebounds, with Barry-Wallace producing 16 points and 10 boards.

Bailey Scarberry chipped in with 17 points for Bacone (6-9, 4-4 SAC).

The Lady Evangels will wrap up their four-game road swing next Thursday evening (Jan. 26) at Southwestern Christian University. Tip-off is set for 6 pm in Bethany, Okla.