BREVARD, N.C. – Ty'She Washington scored seven of her game-high 17 points in the third quarter and was instrumental in leading the Brevard's women's basketball team to a 60-45 victory over Piedmont on Wednesday evening at Boshamer Gym.

Separated by six points coming out of the intermission, Brevard (11-9) turned up its defensive pressure and used the scoring outburst by Washington to outscore the Lions 15-3 in the quarter. Washington scored the first five points of the frame to give the Tornados a 38-28 lead inside the first two minutes.

Destiny Williams added a layup and Kelsie Rhyne connected on a 3-pointer, following a pass from Annalee Bollinger, as Brevard built a 47-28 advantage. Brittany Walker scored the only Piedmont (19-5) basket of the frame, as the Lions hit 1-of-14 (7.1%) from the floor in the third, before Shakirah Thompson followed with a free throw for the Tornados who led 48-20 through three quarters.

The Tornados maintained at least a 14-point lead over the first 4:31 of the fourth behind timely scores from Williams and Washington, but Piedmont put together a brief run that included a layup by Amari Price and free throws from Carlie Shields that trimmed the deficit to 51-41. Brevard retaliated with a 3-pointer from Ledford and points in the paint by Washington and Krysta Davis to hold off a late charge in the 60-45 win.

Washington, who finished 7-of-12 from the floor, was also active on the glass with seven rebounds (five offensive). She was joined in double figure scoring by Bollinger and Williams, who added 10 points apiece.

Seven players scored at least five points for the Tornados, who finished 24-of-61 (39.3%) from the floor and 6-of-21 (28.6%) from beyond the arc. The Lions committed 22 turnovers, resulting in a 29-6 edge in points off turnovers for Brevard.

Shields was the lone member of the Lions offense to top double figures, finishing with 13 points on 4-of-12 shooting from the field. She was also a perfect 5-of-5 at the charity stripe. Piedmont's offense struggled to get in rhythm, hitting 14-of-52 (26.9%) from the field and 3-of-11 (27.3%) from 3-point range.

After shooting 8-for-16 (50%) in the opening quarter, Brevard assumed a 21-8 lead over the visiting Lions. The Tornados scored the first five points of the game, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Bollinger, as they moved in front 11-3 at the six minute mark.

Bollinger drained her second trey of the half, following a pass from Washington, to provide Brevard with a 14-5 lead. The Tornados amped up their defensive efforts and used a layup from Rhyne and a 3-pointer Taryn Ledford, stretching the lead to 14, but Piedmont followed with a trey from Jatasia Bailey to make for a 13-point advantage at the close of the frame.

The Tornados used a series of scores by Williams and Washington to build a 15-point lead, 25-10, but Piedmont put together a 15-2 run to trim the lead to two. Brevard bounced back with a series of scores by Washington and Bollinger, stretching the lead to four, before a layup by Williams sent the two teams to the intermission with a six point Tornado lead.

The Tornados return to action on Saturday, Feb. 10, when they head to LaGrange for a 2 p.m. clash with the Panthers.