NASSAU, Bahamas—The University of Southern Indiana women's basketball team could not overcome a slow start as it fell to Tiffin University, 90-78, Wednesday evening at the Bahamas Sunshine Shootout.

USI (4-3), which entered the game as the GLVC leader in three-point defense, surrender nine trifectas in the first half alone as it fell into a 20-point deficit late in the opening period.

After cutting the margin to 15 points at the break (51-36), USI used a 13-2 run to open the second half and get to within four points with 14 minutes to play in the game.

Tiffin (5-8), however, used a 12-4 run to extend its lead to double-digits (65-53) with 11 minutes to play in the contest.

The Eagles got to with in six points on a couple occasions later in the game, but could not get any closer as the Dragons connected on 7-of-9 free throws in the final minute to secure the regional victory.

Senior forward Jasmine Baines (Jeffersonville, Indiana) led the Eagles with 24 points and eight rebounds, while freshman guard Amie Newhart (Mulberry, Indiana) contributed a career-best 18 points.

Sophomore guard VaNita Smart (Evansville, Indiana) finished with nine points and three assists, while junior forward/center Brittany Neuman (Huntingburg, Indiana) finished with eight rebounds.

Tiffin, which finished the game 14-of-27 from behind the arc, got 29 points out of junior forward Leanne Lucius as well as 19 points and 10 assists out of junior guard Kylene Spiegel. Lucius had 18 points in the first half after drilling four of her five three-pointers in the opening 20 minutes.

USI finishes the Bahamas Sunshine Shootout Thursday against Mount Olive College (5-3). Tip-off is slated for 5 p.m. (CST).