SPARTANBURG, S.C.- Converse couldn't fend off the Erskine rally late as the Valkyries fall in Conference Carolinas basketball action on Saturday afternoon, 78-73 in overtime.

Converse (4-15, 3-12) posted five Valkyries in double-figures for the first time this season.  Paige Johnson (Greenville, S.C.) led Converse with a career-high 17 points and seven assists.  Brianna James (Spartanburg, S.C.) and Kassidy Moorhouse (Anderson, S.C.) chipped in with 12 points each.  Yashee Johnson (West Columbia, S.C.) and Erin Horne (Orlando, Fla.) added 11 points apiece.

The Valkyries led by double-digits with time running down in the fourth quarter.  The Erskine (11-10, 10-5) defense held Converse scoreless the final 2:30 of the contest as the Fleet went on a 12-0 run to knot things up at 71-all.  Converse had a chance to hold for the last shot but a turnover allowed Erskine for a chance for the win in regulation.  The Fleet had two chances for the win but was unable to find the bottom of the net.

Both defenses came to play in overtime with Erin Horne grabbing the first basket in overtime with 2:37 remaining for the only basket for the Valkyries.  Erskine would go on a 7-0 run to end the game and take the win, 78-73.

Converse started the contest off hot going on an 11-0 run.  Kassidy Moorhouse made a lay-up followed by a connection from downtown.  Bri James and Paige Johnson would add jumpers to push out to a 9-0 lead.  Moorhouse ended the run with two freebies.

Erskine would go on a short run themselves to bring it to 11-7.  Converse would keep the Fleet at bay leading 22-13 after the first.

The Fleet would get to within four, 22-18 with less than seven to play in the first half before P. Johnson hit a jumper.  Back-to-back treys from P. Johnson and E. Horne would push the Valkyrie lead to double-figures.  The Valkyries would lead 35-25 into the break.

Converse maintained an 8-10 point advantage in the third quarter and took an eight point lead into the final quarter.

Paige Johnson connected on a trey to get the scoring going in the fourth.  Bri James would connect on two freebies from the stripe for the mini 5-0 run. An Erskine triple at the six minute mark would cut the lead down to six, 62-56.  

The Erskine defense allowed nine points in the final six minutes of regulation with one field goal.

Converse continues Conference Carolinas play on Tuesday, February 9, as the Valkyries travel to Franklin Springs, Ga. to play against Emmanuel.  Tip-off is at 5:30pm.