The Mary Baldwin University women's basketball team defeated Methodist University 63-47 on Friday night.

Jalen Gathers led the Fighting Squirrels (3-4, 3-4 USA South) with 16 points. Nicole Mallon and Leah Calhoun each had 10 points off the bench.

MBU jumped out to an early lead and ended the second quarter on a 12-2 run for a 40-23 halftime advantage. This came in part from their work on the boards, recording 10 offensive rebounds and nine second-chance points in the first half.

In the third quarter, a jump shot by Calhoun gave the Fighting Squirrels their biggest lead of the game at 54-30.

The Monarchs (0-5, 0-5 USA South) ended the fourth quarter strong on a 7-0 run but fell short on time.

Mary Baldwin shot 25-of-68 (36.8 %) on the night. On the other side, Methodist was 16-of-69 (27.6 %).

MBU returns to action on Sunday, as they travel to Fayetteville, N.C. for their second game against the Monarchs.