CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Armstrong Atlantic State University women's basketball squad battled DI College of Charleston down to the wire in exhibition action on Friday night, falling to the Cougars, 58-55, at TD Arena in Charleston.

The Pirates trailed by 12 points, 54-40, with 5:15 remaining but immediately went on a 9-0 run over the next three minutes to close the gap to five points, 54-49. A fastbreak layup by junior Jazmin Walker after a steal by freshman Dee Hayward with 59 seconds left made it a one-possession game, 56-53.

Briana McFarland canned a jumper with 23 seconds left to bring Armstrong to within one, 56-55, and the Pirates immediately fouled the Cougars' Jillian Brown. Brown made both free throws and the Pirates had the ball back with 15 seconds to play. With three ticks left on the clock, junior Karolina Rykowska's game-tying three-pointer was off the mark and the College of Charleston came away with the exhibition win.

Sophomore Mauri Wells recorded a double-double to lead the Pirates with 12 points and 13 rebounds, along with three blocks. Newcomer Demisha Mills added 11 points as well.

The Cougars placed three players in double figures, led by Megan Fischer's 16 points and Latisha Harris' 14 points and nine rebounds. Alyssa Frye chipped in 11 points.

Armstrong will open up the 2011-12 season on Friday, November 11, hosting Bluefield College at 5:30 p.m. at Alumni Arena. The Pirates open up with their first seven games at home.