OWENSBORO, KY. -- The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Pomeroys women's basketball team battled the Brescia Bearcats and overcame a 16-point halftime deficit to defeat the Bearcats 64-58.

This win improves the Pomeroys' record to 15-10 overall and 7-10 in River States Conference play. The Pomeroys have officially qualified for the River States Conference Tournament for the first time in program history.

Abby Worley paced the Pomeroys in scoring with 20 points off the bench, including four made 3-pointers for the Pomeroys. Brooklynn Jones finished with 14 points and Avalee Jeffers was the third double-digit scorer for the Pomeroys with 11 points. Jeffers also had one steal to move into a tie for second-place on the SMWC all-time steals list.

The Pomeroys defense was key in the Pomeorys second half as they outscored the Bearcats 43-21.

"Brescia showed energy and effort for their seniors and the Lady Pomeroys showed resiliency all night defensively," said Head Coach Terry Bowe. "Shots weren't falling but we were getting stops, including seven straight possessions. It was our consistent effort and energy that allowed us to win."

SMWC returns to action Saturday in the regular-season finale against Oakland City. Jeffers will be honored for her Senior Day. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. inside Knoerle Center.