LYNCHBURG, Va. -- Randolph hunkered down on the defensive end, making a late surge to top Gallaudet, 51-41, in non-conference play.

The team's stellar defense started early, as the WildCats jumped out to a 6-0 edge, keeping the visiting Bison off the scoreboard for the first 4:34 of today's contest.

A 10-4 lead evaporated quickly, however, as the Bison scored 10 straight to jump ahead.

The two teams exchanged baskets over the final 10 minutes of the first half, sending the squads into the locker room with four points between them at halftime, with the Bison ahead 22-18.

Once again, Randolph started the half with strong defense, not allowing a field goal over the first 8:37 of the second half, using a 10-2 run to get back in control of the lead.

After consecutive baskets by senior Jensen Hoover, Randolph had a lead as large as eight, but Gallaudet chipped away, finally getting even at 36-36 with 4:03 remaining.

Those two baskets were Gallaudet's only ones in a span of 6:25, however, as the WildCat defense stepped up again.

After a Hoover basket put Randolph back on top, sophomore Korin Harris doubled lead with a jumper.

First-year Daijah Johnson scored Randolph's next three points on a free throw and jumper sandwiching a Gallaudet jumper.

With a lead of five, a defensive stop and rebound by sophomore Brie Holdren set up Harris for the basket that put the lead out of reach with 1:23 remaining.

Holdren and classmate Jacqueline Hockman hit their free throws down the stretch, icing the contest.

Harris had 18 points, which gave her a share of the game's top scoring honors, on 9-of-13 shooting. She was 6-of-7 in the second half for a dozen points. In addition, her seven rebounds led the WildCats.

"My guards put me in good positions and I've been working on my post moves in practice," Harris said of her performance. "I knew that we needed to step up and score."

To see her full interview, click here.

Randolph held Gallaudet to 29.4% shooting and forced 27 turnovers on the day, led by four steals from senior Allie Druffel.

The WildCats return to ODAC play next, traveling to Emory and Henry next Wednesday.