HATTIESBURG, Miss. - A strong start faded Saturday, as Stillman College women's basketball fell at William Carey University, 73-53, in Southern States Athletic Conference action. 

Raena Suggs hit three 3-pointers to score 11 of Stillman's 15 first-quarter points. The Tigers led periodically in the first 10 minutes, but a Lauren Rowley jumper in the final minute gave Carey a 16-15 to close the quarter. Rowley's basket started a 7-0 run for the Crusaders that grew into a 14-2 run for the first double-digit lead of the day, 28-17. The Tigers trailed 39-25 at the half. WCU out-scored Stillman 34-28 in the second half. 

Suggs was held to two points the rest of the afternoon and led Stillman with 13 points. Alexandria Haymon and JaMesha King each scored seven. 

Rowely finished with 23 points to lead all players. She was followed by Shaneal Corpuz's 11 points and 9 rebounds and Rose Warren's 10 points.

The Tigers were held to 32.8% from the floor and shot 53% from the free throw line. WCU  (15-3, 9-3 SSAC) won the battle of the boards, 47-29.

Stillman (12-9, 7-7 SSAC) will remain on the road Monday, Feb. 5, traveling to Oakwood University at 5:30 p.m. for the final non-conference battle of the season.