AUGUSTA, Ga. – The GRU Augusta women's basketball team lost their conference opener against Georgia Southwestern in a tight battle, 62-58, Thursday afternoon in Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Back-to back three-point plays by Kariel Hutt gave GRU (1-7, 0-1 PBC) the early lead, 6-2, and the team held the advantage through the first half. GRU led by as many as 14 points in the first period – led by Camille Gee's 19 first-half points. Gee was a perfect 3-for-3 from the three-point line and 4-for-4 from the charity stripe in the opening 20 minutes.

GSW (7-1, 10 PBC) came within one, 25-24, at the 3:32 mark, but Gee made two free throws, and Hutt sunk a layup on the following two GRU possessions to cushion the lead. A downtown buzzer beater from junior guard Kayla Roberts gave GRU a 36-30 lead at halftime.

GSW took little time to gain the scoring edge after out of the break. Three minutes into the second half, GSW's Shatoria Hudson hit a jumper in the lane for a 39-all score.

GRU reclaimed the lead at 44-41 behind a Gee three-pointer, and both teams exchanged the scoring advantage the rest of the game.

With 2:26 to go, GSW held a 59-55 lead. Gee converted a three-point play in the final minute to bring GRU within three, 58-61. GRU had a chance to send the match into overtime on its final possession, but Hut failed to connect on a layup as the Canes hung on for a 62-58 final.

Gee finished the afternoon with a career-high 28 points and GRU had its second best shooting performance of the season: shooting 43.2 percent from the floor. Hutt added a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards, while the Jags owned the rebound battle 39-27 and scored 13 second chance points to the Canes' eight. However, the Jags allowed 27 points off turnovers. GRU had 25 to GSW's 16.

The Jaguars host Montevallo on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. for their second straight PBC contest in Christenberry Fieldhouse.

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