MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Southern Wesleyan women's basketball missed out on a golden opportunity to take control in the race for the SSAC Tournament with a 71-63 loss to Faulkner on Thursday evening.

The Warriors (12-15, 8-11 SSAC) trailed by just one, 33-32, at halftime but a Faulkner midway through the second half created enough separation to where SWU was unable to come back.  The Eagles (16-12, 14-5 SSAC)  turned a 42-42 game into a 59-48 lead and never looked back.  The 17-6 run started with just over 14 minutes left and ended with eight to play.  The Warriors were never able to close the margin back under seven.

Cayse Branyon led SWU with 15 points, her highest output since scoring 20 back on Nov. 23 against Martin Methodist.  The freshman hit 3 of 5 from beyond the arc and 6 of 10 overall from the floor.  The double-digit output breaks a string of seven straight single digit performances from Branyon.

Kiara Coleman posted her team-high sixth double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds.  Faulkner's Christina Hayes recorded a game-high 20 points and 13 rebounds.  The Eagles were able to pull down 41 total rebounds to just 31 for the Warriors.

SWU shot .362 from the floor while Faulkner hit on .439 overall.  The Warriors got to the free throw line 26 times but made just 15 (.577).  The Eagles were not any better from the charity stripe at 9 for 18 but they were able to connect on 12 of 27 from long range including four triples from Hayes.

The loss coupled with Emmanuel's loss to Brenau makes Saturday a very important day for all three teams.  The Warriors and Emmanuel are still tied for the final spot in the SSAC Tournament from the East with Breanu just a game behind.  Emmanuel will be at Coastal Georgia who is third in the East with a 13-6 record.  Brenau will host Brewton-Parker (0-19) on Saturday and the Warriors host the top team in the East, Southern Poly (15-4) on Saturday.  Faulkner still has a shot to tie Southern Poly for the top spot in the East.

The Warriors will honor seniors Kiara Coleman and Michelle Anaya on Saturday as SWU hosts Southern Poly at 2 p.m.