Box Score NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - Sophomore Jackie Beathea (Annandale, Va.) and Senior Keshia Primo (Mississagua, Ontario) both scored over 20 points apiece tonight, leading the way for the Southern Connecticut State University women's basketball team as they defeat Merrimack 72-62. 

The Owls are now 10-9 overall, 6-7 in Northeast-10 Conference play. Merrimack is now 10-8 overall, 6-7 in NE-10 play. 

Beathea led all scoring with 25 along with seven rebounds. Right behind her was Primo with 24 along with five steals. 

Danielle Powell (Pine Bush, N.Y.) and Taylor McLaughlin both posted eight points. Sydni Lester (Teaneck, N.J.) chipped in four points along with eight rebounds. 

15 of Beathea's 25 points were scored in the first half. Merrimack quickly went ahead 10-7 but once the Owls took over, 11-10, they would never relinquish the lead. SCSU would lead by as many as nine in the first half.  The half ended with a steal and a lay-up from Primo that would be an indicator of how the second half was going to play out. The squads went into the break with a 32-27 score. 

SCSU would go on to lead for the remainder of the contest, by as many as 12 points. 16 of Primo's 24 came in the second half. Merrimack would pull it to within four points with three and a half minutes to go but wouldn't be able to take the Owls down. The game ended just like the first half did, with Primo scoring the last point, a free-throw to seal the deal. Southern would go on to win by a final score of 72-62. 

Southern shot 40.3% from the field, 16.7% from three-point range and 80.8% from the free-throw line. 

The Owls are back in action on Feb. 1 as they host Assumption. Tip-off for that contest is set for 1:30 p.m.