WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Mary Baldwin held a 10-point, 33-23, halftime lead Wednesday night and held off the Salem College Spirits in the second half to take an important, 71-58, conference victory.

The victory clinches a spot for the Fighting Squirrels in the five-team USA South East Division playoffs.

Leading 5-4 early in the game, Mary Baldwin outscored the Spirits, 10-2, during the remainder of the first quarter. A'Cetta Farrait scored to start the run and Mya Coleman added two buckets for an 11-4 lead. Demet Saygili ran the streak to 8-0 with a layup, making the score 15-4. After a basket by Salem's Alize Munn,  Saygili scored again, giving MBU a 15-6 lead after one quarter.

Mary Baldwin led by as many as 13 points in the second quarter before setting for a 10-point halftime lead.

The Squirrels led by as many as 17 points in the third quarter and maintained a double-digit lead until midway through the final quarter when the Spirits pulled to within eight, 60-52.

Four Mary Baldwin players reached double figures with Jalen Gathers leading the way with 15 points. Farrait and Coleman were close behind with 14 points apiece. Saygili posted a double-double with 13 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. Hannah Varner also had a productive contest, finishing with seven points and a team-best seven assists.

Mary Baldwin is now 12-9 overall and 9-7 in conference play. The Squirrels have two games remaining - Sunday at Averett and next Wednesday at home against Methodist. MBU is fifth in the conference standings, one game behind Methodist (10-6) for fourth place.