WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Salem's Tyler Davenport came through with 20 points and 10 rebounds, marking the third double-double of the season for the Spirits, in an all-around effort by the unit, which suffered a 78-61 setback to USA South Conference foe Southern Virginia on Wednesday evening at Varsity Gym. The final score was not indicative of a tight battle between the two programs, who were separated by just six points at the 7:34 mark of the fourth quarter.

Davenport led the way offensively for the Spirits, hitting 8-of-16 from the floor and 4-of-6 at the free throw line. She guided a Salem squad that finished 23-of-61 (37.7%) from the floor and 13-of-21 (61.9%) at the charity stripe. Davenport, who closed with five offensive rebounds, was joined in double figures on the glass by Lauren Privette, who equaled her single-game season-high (10), which she established against Bridgewater on December 29th.

Also topping double figure points for Salem (1-13, 0-8) was Alize Brooks, who closed with 11 points after knocking down 3-of-8 from the field and 5-of-7 at the free throw line. Sydney Bowen capped off her best offensive performance of the slate with nine points, finishing 3-of-6 from the floor and was a perfect 2-of-2 at the free throw line. Tamsi Echendu also came through with eight rebounds and four points in reserve for Salem.

Southern Virginia improved to 9-3 overall and 5-0 in league play behind the performances of Emma Camden (19 points), Anna Singer (16) and Addison Newman (13). Camden managed to convert 7-of-16 from the floor, including 3-of-6 from 3-point range, while adding a pair of free throws. Singer climbed the glass for nine rebounds (six defensive) to lead the way for the Knights. Alyssa McKrola added seven rebounds off the bench for Southern Virginia.

After Brooks closed out fourth quarter scoring with a pair of free throws, trimming the Knights' lead to six, Salem used layups by Davenport and Echendu to remain within six at the 7:34 mark. Newman took over for Southern Virginia, singlehandedly scoring five points, as the Knights forged in front 61-49. Camden drove home seven straight points of her own, stretching the margin to 68-54, helping to secure the win.

Facing a seven-point deficit coming out of the intermission, Salem capitalized on four points by Davenport and three points off the hand of Brooks to move within three, 37-34, of the Knights just over three minutes into the frame. Southern Virginia answered with an 11-0 run, highlighted by a trey from Camden to close out the quarter with a six-point advantage.

Southern Virginia established a 19-11 lead in the opening quarter after hitting 7-of-19 (36.8%) from the floor and receiving five points from Singer. The Spirits countered with four points from Davenport and were 5-of-16 (31.3%) from the floor.

Davenport continued to provide the offensive punch in the second quarter, netting four points in the frame, while the tandem of Bowen and Brooks added three points apiece. Reserves Natasha Guo, Savanah Atkins and Cree Bass added two points each to help Salem finish 6-of-15 (40%) from the floor and a perfect 3-of-3 at the free throw line. Trailing by as many as 15, 26-11, in the frame, Salem closed out the quarter on a 7-3 run, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Bowen to close within seven at the break.

Salem now heads to the road for clashes with Meredith (Jan. 15) and Guilford (Jan. 17).