VALDOSTA, GA '" The Florida Gulf Coast University women'™s basketball team continued its unbeaten streak with a 49-35 win over West Georgia in the Valdosta State Classic on Sunday afternoon. The Eagles held the Braves to one field goal in the final five minutes to pull away for their ninth straight win to open the season, tying the school-record for most wins to start a year. For the second time in as many days, FGCU had to rely on strong defensive effort to overcome early shooting woes. The Eagles shot just 19% from the floor in the first half, but held the Braves to just 11 points to build a 19-11 halftime lead. In the second half, FGCU shot 40% from the floor and built a 17-point lead at 35-18 midway through the final 20 minutes. West Georgia (5-3) went on a 15-3 run over a six-minute span to cut the lead to five at 38-33 before the FGCU defensive effort, and a pair of three-pointers by junior Alex Nelson down the stretch, sealed the win. Sophomore forward Jessica Hathaway led the Eagles with 10 points and five rebounds. Senior forward Alex Kwiecinska chipped in with nine points while Nelson added eight. UWG forward Natasha Liggins led all scorers with 15 points. FGCU returns home to host Lynn University on Monday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m.