Box Score FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky State women's basketball team held off Paine College by the score of 79-71 to come away victorious in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener for both teams Thursday at the Exum Center.

Things didn't come easily for the Thorobrettes, who have now won five of the last six in the series with Paine. Kentucky State had to overcome a slow start, as well as a late charge from the Lions, who cut a 19-point deficit to five over the last five minutes.

Logan Powell led the way for Kentucky State, scoring a career-high 26 points with 12 rebounds, 10 of those coming on the offensive glass. Jamesha Mosley reached the 20 point mark for the second straight game, while Alexandra Stanford added 16 points with seven rebounds and five assists. Ashley Watts led Paine with 25 points.

The game went back and forth early, with Paine taking its largest lead at 14-7 early in the first quarter. The Lions took a 19-14 lead to the first quarter break and still led in the final minute of the half before Powell and Stanford scored on consecutive possessions to give Kentucky State a 35-32 halftime lead.

Paine tied the game once more early in the third quarter, but the Thorobrettes took control with an 11-2 run that took a 45-41 lead to 56-43. Kentucky State stayed comfortably ahead, building its lead to 70-51 with 5:35 left. A late 9-0 run by Paine cut the margin to 76-71 with 46 seconds left, but the Thorobrettes were able to hold on.

Kentucky State shot 45 percent (31-of-69) from the field, despite going just 1-of-11 (nine percent) from 3-point range. Paine shot 39 percent (25-of-64) overall and 29 percent (4-of-14) from outside. Kentucky State held a 46-42 rebounding advantage.

With the win, Kentucky State moves to 4-1 on the year, extends its home winning streak to 13 games, and opens SIAC play at 1-0. Paine drops to 1-6 on the year and 0-1 in the conference. The Thorobrettes are back in action when they host Claflin at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Exum Center.