JOHNS CREEK - Timely runs in pivotal moments propelled the Gainesville girls to a dominant region-opening 73-44 win Tuesday at Johns Creek.

The first offensive outburst came with the Red Elephants up by just one point with four minutes left in the second quarter. Senior Julia Payne led a 13-4 run scoring nine points to end the half and give Gainesville (5-0, 1-0 Region 7-5A) a 10-point, 34-24 lead at half.

When Johns Creek (1-5, 0-1) went on its own run to start the second half, cutting the GHS lead to five at 39-34, Big Red again responded outscoring the Gladiators 10-2 in the final two minutes of the period to extend their lead to 13.

Gainesville put a nail in Johns Creek's proverbial coffin with a final quarter-long run as the Red Elephants outscored the Gladiators 24-8 in the fourth.

Payne finished with a game-high 27 points, while freshmen Shailyn Jones and Jaucelyn Smith scored 13 and 10 respectively.

Five different players finished with at least three steals for Gainesville led by six from Smith and four from Payne. Damaria Colburn, who had five assists in the game, and Kelsey Lester had three steals each.

GHS returns to action Friday at 6:00 p.m. when it hosts Chattahoochee.