HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Barton College stormed out of the gate early in the first half and seemingly ran the court at Timberlake-Lawton Gymnasium Monday night against the Coker Lady Cobras, winning by a score of 79-58.

Barton (11-5, 10-1 Conf. Carolinas) shot 57.6 percent from the floor, compared to Coker’s (2-14, 1-10 Conf. Carolinas) 29.4 percent.  The Lady Bulldogs took their largest lead of the half at 21-12, before the Cobras rallied and closed the gap.   At the end of the half, however, the Bulldogs returned to a nine point lead at 41-32.

In the first half, Barton was led by Janetta Robinson (Willard, N.C.) with 13 points and two rebounds.  Senior Esty Flores (Virginia Beach, Va.) was also a major first half factor, scoring 12 points.  The Lady Cobras offensive efforts were led by Jasmine Alston (Sumter, SC) with 10 points, and senior Henna Koponen (Vantaa, Finland) with eight points.  Koponen also had four rebounds.

The second half was more of the same for the Lady Cobras, as their offense failed to overcome the intensity of the Lady Bulldogs.  Barton’s largest lead of the second half was an 18 point spread at 79-51.  Coker then went on a seven point run to bring the final score to 79-58.  The Cobra’s did shoot 60.0 percent from the floor in the second half.

At the end of the game it was Barton’s Flores leading the way offensively with 24 points, while Robinson had 19 points. Janae Jackson (Fort Belvoir, Va.) was the rebounding leader for the Lady Bulldogs with six rebounds.   

Koponen finished the night with 16 points and six rebounds to lead Coker, while Alston netted 12 points.

The Lady Cobras will resume play Thursday, as they travel to Erskine College.  Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.