Jackson- The Millsaps Majors' women's basketball team held Birmingham Southern to just 13 first half points en route to a 64-42 win in the first conference game for both teams.

The Majors' suffocating defense was the story on Saturday afternoon, forcing 18 turnovers and holding the Panthers to just 27 percent shooting on the afternoon.

The two teams struggled in the early going thanks to great defense by both teams. Lovie Love had seven of her game-high 15 in the first half to help propel the Majors to a 22-13 half time lead.

The Majors came out firing to start the second half, draining a pair of threes to stretch the lead out to 15 and force an early Panther time out. The Majors continued the pressure and never let the Panthers get any closer than 14 points for the rest of the contest.

The Majors put four players in double figures, led by Love's 15. Velvet Johnson also had 15 points to lead Millsaps, Makayla Roberson had 11 points and 4 steals, Shatoya White dropped in 10 as well. Point guard Samantha Perez dished out a season high 12 assists and did not turn the ball over on Saturday.

The win is a pivotal one for the Majors, who now sit at 3-4 overall but 1-0 in Southern Athletic Association play. They wrap up their 2012 home schedule with the Dallas Crusaders coming in on Wednesday afternoon, tip time is set for 1pm.