#articleRelated { display: none !important; } College of Charleston's Marketta Talley and Erica Irick each scored a game-high 12 points as the seventh-seeded Cougars rolled to a 69-39 victory over 10th-seeded Elon Wednesday afternoon in the first round of the 2005 Kyocera Southern Conference Women's Basketball Championships.

Charleston (15-13) has now won four straight opening-round games in the SoCon Tourney while Elon (4-24) ended the season on an eight-game losing streak.

The Cougars tallied the first eight points of the contest and never looked back as the 30-point margin of victory was the largest by Charleston over a conference opponent in school history. Talley hit her first three three-point attempts versus Elon and ended up equaling a career best by going 4-of-7 (57.1 percent) from behind the arc. The guard also tied a personal high in assists (10) in 37 minutes of action.

Melissa Chambers was the only other Cougar to finish in double figures (10 points) and was also one rebound shy of a double-double (nine boards). College of Charleston held a commanding edge on the glass over Elon, outrebounding the Phoenix, 50-37. The win guaranteed College of Charleston will finish the year with a winning record for the first time since 1991-92.

Kitara McMoore came off the bench to pace Elon with 11 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Sade Jordan chipped in with six tallies and nine boards.

College of Charleston will next challenge number two seed, Davidson, tomorrow in the quarterfinals of the tournament. Game time is slated for 5 p.m. The College of Charleston will broadcast the game on the interrnet at www.cofcsports.com.

Quotes:
College of Charleston head coach Nancy Wilson:
"We were thrilled to win by that large of a margin. It gave our other kids a chance to get their feet wet in the conference tournament. I'm proud of the win, but have greater respect for Brenda Paul. I expected her kids to come out strong and never let up which they did."

Wilson on the defense:
"Defensively, I think our quickness on the perimeter was key. We were able to keep pressure on the ball, and I don't think Elon ever got any real good looks."

Senior guard Marketta Talley:
"We have the ability and potential to go to the conference championship if we come out and play hard. I think we can do it. I don't doubt my teammates.