DUBLIN — A clamp-down third quarter propelled the Lady Knights of West Bladen High to a 38-31 Waccamaw Conference win over South Columbus High on Thursday.

The victory snapped a two-game losing skid by the Lady Knights, evened their conference mark at 1-1 and improved them to 7-2 overall.

West Bladen opened the game like a team determined not to collect a third straight “L” and raced out to a 7-0 lead, sparked by a long-range shot from Courtney Thompson and a three-pointer from Haley Cox. But South Columbus managed to finish the first quarter with a 6-0 run that cut the deficit to 7-6 going into the second stanza.

The Lady Stallions continued that run, opening the quarter with a 7-1 advantage that put West Bladen in a 13-8 hole. But Cox hit two more three-pointers late in the half and helped the Lady Knights cut the deficit to 17-15 at intermission.

The third quarter was all West Bladen.

Abbey Walters all but took over for the Lady Knights, scoring eight points and making a trio of steals to lead West Bladen on a 12-2 quarter spurt that vaulted the Lady Knights to a 27-19 lead.

South Columbus opened the fourth frame with a 6-2 run to pull within 29-25, but West Bladen sealed the game with a 4-0 spurt and the Lady Stallions never threatened again.

Walters finished with 12 points and eight steals, while Cox scored all nine of her points off three-pointers. Taylor Stephens contributed eight points and five rebounds, while Thompson led West Bladen with nine boards and had three blocks.

After the Christmas break, the Lady Knights will play in its own Woodmen of the World Christmas Tournament on Friday and Saturday.