BOSTON -UNCW used a 22-6 run to erase a 12-point deficit and edge Northeastern, 69-64, in Colonial Athletic Association women's basketball action Thursday at Solomon Court.

The Seahawks improved to 12-7 overall and 5-3 in CAA play as they picked up their fourth straight victory. The Huskies slipped to 3-16 and 1-7 as they dropped their fourth consecutive contest.

Sophomore Alisha Andrews led three UNCW players in double figures with 15 points while junior Tawanna Lee chipped in 14 points, all in the second half, and junior Jessica Freeman pitched in 13 to guide a Seahawks attack that knocked down a season-high 11 three-pointers and committed just 10 turnovers.

Sophomore Jewel Tunstull posted game-highs of 20 points and 16 rebounds for her third double-double of the season to lead Northeastern. Senior Jamie Conroy chipped in 15 points and dished out a game-best eight assists while junior Deanna Kerkhof joined the duo in double figures with 15 points.

Trailing 52-40 with 10:50 remaining in the contest, a free throw from sophomore Abria Trice ignited the game-changing spurt that spanned just under six minutes and gave UNCW a 62-58 advantage with less than five minutes remaining.

A jumper from Conroy at the 4:27 mark ended the Seahawks stretch and pulled the Huskies within two, 62-60.

UNCW would regain a two-possession cushion one minute later on a baseline jumper from Freeman before a driving layup by Conroy with 92 ticks on the clock snapped a two-minute scoring drought for both sides and made a 64-62 contest.

Conroy was fouled on the play and had a chance to complete the conventional three-point opportunity, but left her free throw short, allowing the Seahawks to gain possession. The Huskies had a chance to tie the game moments later after a Seahawks turnover gave them the ball, but were unable to capitalize as Conroy's jumper in the paint on the their next trip down the floor failed to go down.

UNCW grabbed the ensuing rebound and was fouled, sending Lee to the line with 22 seconds left. Lee made one of two attempts to give UNCW a 65-62 cushion before Tunstull would trim the score to one, 65-64, with a uncontested layup at the 10-second mark.  

Andrews was sent to the line on the Seahawks next possession and pushed the UNCW cushion back to three, 67-64, with a pair of free throws.

Northeastern would get off a game-tying attempt on its final possession, but the three-point shot by Kerkhof was short and junior Ayoola Weaver grabbed the ensuing rebound to give the ball to the Seahawks. Lee was fouled with one second remaining and knocked down both of her free-throw attempts to determine the final margin.  

Earlier in the contest, Northeastern raced out to a quick 9-0 lead and used a 17-1 spurt later in the frame to take its largest lead of the game, 26-7.

The Huskies held a 33-18 edge with just over three minutes remaining in the first half when a three pointer by Andrews sparked a 12-5 spurt that trimmed the Northeastern advantage to 38-30 at the break.

Northeastern regained its double-figure lead early in the second half and would use a 7-3 stretch to take its largest lead of the frame, 52-40, and set up the Seahawks game-changing run.

Both teams return to action Sunday with 2 p.m. CAA matinees. UNCW is at Towson while Northeastern hosts William & Mary.

GAME NOTES

• The victory was UNCW's fourth straight against Northeastern as it improved to 6-5 all-time against the Huskies. The Seahawks also improved to 3-2 on Solomon Court.
• Tonight's win marked the fourth time this season the Seahawks have rallied from a double-digit deficit to defeat its opponent. It also marked the second such occurrence in exactly one week.
• The Seahawks overcame its largest deficit of the season as the 19-point deficit erased the 14-point deficits overcome in their wins at Charlotte (Dec. 7) and Charleston Southern (Dec. 16).
• UNCW held a commanding 34-2 edge in points off the bench. All six of UNCW's non-starters saw playing time in the contest, with five of them scoring at least two points.
• UNCW reached double figure assists for the 18th time this season as it dished out 16 helpers. Lee led the way for the Seahawks with four.
• The Seahawks failed to record double-figure steals for the second straight contest and the fifth time this season as it was held to just seven thefts.
• UNCW shot better than 40 percent from the floor for the second straight contest and the 10th time this season. The Seahawks improved to 9-1 in 2011-12 and 27-4 under Cooper-Dyke when it makes more than 40 percent of its field goal attempts.
• The Seahawks established a new season high three-point field goals made for the second straight contest, breaking the old mark of nine set in their 76-54 win at Old Dominion on Jan. 22.
• UNCW shot 75 percent or better at the free-throw line for just the second time this season as it converted 12-of-16 attempts at the charity stripe. It was the first time the Seahawks had shot above 70 percent at the line since knocking down 8-of-10 tries at Ohio on Nov. 30.
• The Seahawks established a new season low in turnovers, breaking the old mark of 13 set against George Mason on Jan. 15. It was also the seventh time this season UNCW has committed 15 or fewer turnovers.

INDIVIDUAL NOTES

2 - Tawanna Lee

• Reached double figures in points for the 10th time this season. Has scored in double figures in two of the last three contests.
• Led team in assists for the sixth time this season.

4 - Alisha Andrews

• Reached double figures in points for the 14th time this season and the 33rd time in her career.
• Moved into sole possession of 10th place on the school's career assist list with her three assists, giving her 257 of her career. Surpassed former teammate Brittany Blackwell for 10th place.
• Led team in scoring for the eighth time this season and the 13th time in her career.
• Paced team in rebounds for the first time this season and the second time in her career.

23 - Diana Venezia

• Matched her career high with six points, set at Northeastern on Jan. 23, 2011.
• Equaled her career high with 11 minutes played, set on two previous occasions.

24 - Jessica Freeman

• Reached double figures for the eighth time this season and the 18th time in her career. Has scored in double figures in each of the last four contests.
• Recorded a team-high four steals.

40 - Karneshia Garrett

• Paced team in rebounds for the 12th time this season.