DAYTON, Tenn. -- Bluefield chipped away and erased multiple double-digit deficits, but each time the Lady Rams got close, the hosting Bryan College Lady Lions had an answer en route to the 55-44 Appalachian Athletic Conference win, Wednesday evening.

Maryah Mazyck's 13 points led Bluefield as the only double-digit scorer, while Destiny Tolliver tallied a team-high eight rebounds.

Keila Formont and Taylor Neuharth led Bryan, posting 15 and 11 points, respectively. Megan Billingsby had a game high nine rebounds.

The hosts pulled out to an 18-6 lead with 8:12 remaining in the first half, but Bluefield put together one of many small runs, closing the gap to 18-14 behind eight-straight points.Whitney Smith knocked down back-to-back threes, while Tolliver added a bucket.

However, Bryan closed the final six minutes on an 11-2 run for the 29-16 lead at the break.

The Lions' lead bounced back and forth between double-figures early in the second half, as Bluefield pulled within seven on a pair of occasions. But, each time Bluefield got close, a small run from Bryan followed.

The hosts lead was extended to as much as 16 at 43-27 with 9:12 remaining. Bluefield offered up another 8-0 run to cut the lead in half, but a pair of threes from Bryan bounced it right back to 14 points with under four to play.

Bluefield cut it under double figures once more with under a minute to play, but fell by the 55-44 final.

Bluefield hit 17-of-50 (34.0%) from the field on the evening, while the hosts were 19-for-57 (33.3%).

The Lady Rams turned the ball over 27 times, while Bryan had 20 turnovers. Shelby Key had a game high seven steals.

AAC play continues for Bluefield on Saturday, as they take on Montreat for a 2 p.m. tip.