EVANSVILLE, Ind.—The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team shot a ridiculous 79.2 percent from the field in the second half to turn a one-point halftime advantage into an 84-72 victory Saturday over the University of the Cumberlands (Kentucky) at the Physical Activities Center.

USI (3-0), which shot a modest 53.8 percent from the floor in the opening half, finished the contest with a 66.0 shooting percentage—the school record is 66.7 percent against Oakland City University on December 31, 2005.

Despite the blistering performance, the Screaming Eagles were plagued by turnovers, 26 to be exact. Turnovers and a tough day from the charity stripe (13-23, 56.5 percent) helped the Patriots keep the game close in the first period.

USI opened the second half with a three-pointer to extend its 33-32 halftime lead into a four-point cushion.

Behind the play of senior forward Jasmine Baines (Jeffersonville, Indiana) and freshman guard Amie Newhart (Mulberry, Indiana), the Eagles built their lead to as many as 19 points late in the contest. Baines scored 16 of her team-high 23 points in the second half, while Newhart scored all nine of her points in the final 20 minutes.

USI also benefited from the play of senior guard Marshay Jolly (Merrillville, Indiana) and junior guard Brittany Darden (Guthrie, Kentucky). Jolly, who went 3-for-3 from the arc, finished with a season-high 14 points, while Darden had 14 points on an impressive 6-for-7 shooting performance.

The Eagles also controlled the glass, gaining a 44-24 edge in rebounding. Junior forward/center Brittany Neuman (Huntingburg, Indiana) pulled down a game-high nine rebounds, while junior forward/center Ninette Evans (Memphis, Tennessee) grabbed seven rebounds to go along with four points.

Cumberlands (6-1) benefited from a game-high 30 points from sophomore guard Amber Neace. Senior guard Lissi Fuller added 13 points and a game-high 10 assists in the loss.

USI opens GLVC play December 1 when it travels to Owensboro, Kentucky, and the Sportscenter to take on rival Kentucky Wesleyan College. Tip-off is slated for 5:15 p.m.