MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Miles fell behind early and ultimately found itself trailing by as many as 11 points in the second half Monday night against LeMoyne-Owen. Despite cutting then deficit to two points on three different occasions during the final 20 minutes, the Lady Bears lost 56-52 to the Lady Magicians at Johnson Hall. The loss was the third straight for Miles (9-5, 5-4 SIAC West).

The Lady Bears only lead was 6-4 in the first quarter and it lasted for less than 30 seconds. For the remainder of the contest, LOC (10-9, 7-4) would expand the lead before Miles worked to reel the Lady Magicians in. Victoria Sutton (five points, two assists) connected on a 3-pointer to cut the Miles deficit to one point at the start of the second quarter. But the Lady Magicians would go on an 8-0 run over the next three minutes to reassert control.

Miles trailed by six at halftime and Waynenecka Wynn (nine points, seven rebounds) knocked down a 3-ball to halve the deficit. But eight straight points, including back-to-back 3-pointers by Gabbie Morgan (10 points), gave LOC a 39-28 lead - its biggest of the game - midway through the third quarter. Wynn would spark a 9-0 run by the Lady Bears, who ultimately finished the third quarter trailing 41-39.

Both teams traded buckets to start the fourth quarter but after Taylor Terry's basket at the 8:41 mark, Miles would never get any closer. The Lady Bears shooting struggles (31 percent from the field, 29 percent on 3-pointers) continued against LOC, which made 5-of-6 free throws over the final four minutes to secure its sixth win in the past seven games.

LOC's Dana Gettis had 22 points to lead all scorers. Terry (16 points, nine rebounds) and Sakina Wynn (12 points) scored in double figures for Miles, which plays a non-conference contest Wednesday at Fort Valley State. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.