AUGUSTA, GA - the Allen University women's basketball team cruised to a 70-49 non-conference win over Paine College (Ga.) on the road Thursday night.

Allen's third straight win pulls them back to .500 at 6-6 on the season. AU got out to a strong start in the first quarter holding PC to just 4 points on 1 of 14 shooting en route to a 13-4 lead. The Lady Jackets then increased their lead to 19-4 and 21-6 with 6 minutes to go as they outscored the Lady Lions 18-14 in the second quarter to take a 31-18 halftime lead.

AU jumped out to a 41-21 lead just three minutes into the third quarter. Paine would then go on a small 14-6 run to end the third as Allen headed to the fourth up 47-35. PC would get to within 11 in the 4th before Allen pulled away to go up 60-40 with 5 minutes to go and put the game away.

Allen's stellar defense held Paine to just 28 percent shooting overall and only 16.7 percent from three  as five different women recorded blocks while the team recorded 26 steals off 33 Paine turnovers. Allen had three players finish in double-digit scoring with senior forward Cardrina Nolen leading the way with 12 points and 5 rebounds on a block and 2 steals. The guard duo of senior Jazeem Bethea and junior Kayla Pope then scored 11 and 10 points respectively. Bethea also added 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while Pope had 7 rebounds and a steal.

Forwards Talayah Boxley and Taelor-Symone Jackson then combined for 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 steals. Jackson had a team-high 8 rebounds with 4 steals while Boxley had 7 boards, a block and 3 steals. Junior Guards Destinee Jamison-Whitfield and Keyshuna Fair also combined for 15 points, 3 assists, and 4 steals on the night.

The Lady Jackets will stay on the road to face Fort Valley St. on Saturday at 1:00 pm and finish their road trip with a game at Albany State on Monday at 2 PM.