OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Senior Sara Tarbert totaled 27 points and reached the 2000 collegiate career point mark as the Stevenson women's basketball team defeated Widener, 65-54, on Saturday at Owings Mills Gymnasium.  The win snapped a two-game slide for the Mustangs.

Tarbert, who entered the day with 1,997 career points, reached the 2,000-point mark on a layup with 7:10 to go in the first quarter.  She became just the 19th player in NCAA Division III history with 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds, as she has 2,024 career points and 1,097 rebounds.  Tarbert totaled 400 points and 205 rebounds in her freshman season at UMBC and has 1,624 points and 892 rebounds in a Mustang uniform.

Tarbert also posted her 22nd double-double of the season and 23rd straight dating back to last season by grabbing 11 rebounds.  That is the third-longest streak of double-doubles in Division III annals, tied with Ashley Roser of Wells College, who had 23 straight over the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons.

Freshman Hannah Crist got the Mustangs(14-8, 9-4 MAC Commonwealth) off to a quick start with a three pointer and a layup to give Stevenson an early 5-0 lead.  After Tarbert sank a pair of free throws, Widener (6-15, 3-9 MAC Commonwealth) was able to get on the board with a jumper from Aly Furgiuelle, but Tarbert matched it with a layup on the next possession for her 2000th career point.

Tarbert led the Mustangs with six more points as they stretched their lead to double digits, 17-7 with just over three and a half minutes remaining in the period.  Widener hit three of four free throws to make it a seven point game, but Stevenson outscored the Pride 4-1 in the remaining minutes as they held a 21-11 lead at the end of the first.

Widener's Allison Gallagher made a layup just 10 seconds into the second quarter before the Mustangs took a 9-0 run to extend their lead with just over six and a half minutes remaining in the half.  The run was highlighted by four forced turnovers by Stevenson and six points from junior Kaitlyn VanTash. 

After over three scoreless minutes, freshman Bianca Elize Santos stepped up and drew a charge to boost Stevenson's momentum.  The Mustangs closed the half on a 5-2 run, including three points from junior Imani Sanders, to give the hosts a 35-16 lead going into halftime.

In the first half, Stevenson shot 54.2 percent from the floor while holding Widener to just 15.4 percent.  The Mustangs led 11-9 in forced turnovers and 21-15 on the boards.

VanTash scored the Mustangs' first seven points in the second half as they picked up where they left off and stretched their lead to 42-18.  Over the next seven and a half minutes, Stevenson was held to just one jumper from the field as the Pride went on an 18-4 run to make it a 10 point game with just over a minute remaining in the third.  

Stevenson was able to stretch its lead as Tarbert hit a three pointer and two free throws in the final minute to give Stevenson a 51-36 advantage at the end of the third quarter.

The Pride fought back in the final period as they slowly chipped away at their deficit.  Widener got as close as eight points twice, the latest coming with 1:40 on the clock, but Stevenson outscored Widener 5-2 in the final minute to seal the victory.

Stevenson finished 44.2 percent from the floor while holding Widener to 35.7 percent.  Both teams finished with 19 turnovers, but the Mustangs outrebounded the Pride, 43-28.

VanTash totaled 19 points and nine rebounds, while Sanders dished out four assists.

The Mustangs return to action on Wednesday, February 8th when they travel to MAC Commonwealth opponent, Hood, beginning at 6 p.m.