LaQwesha Gamble had a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds in her Brayboy debut in the 66-64 win over Pfeiffer
Box Score
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team opened day one of the 2010 Queen City Classic with a close 66-64 victory against Pfeiffer University on Saturday afternoon inside Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU improves to 3-0 after their first home game, while Pfeiffer moves to 1-2 overall this season.
With 3:37 on the clock in the first half, senior guard
Shakeena Cunningham (Buffalo, NY) penetrated the baseline before pulling up for a jumper to tie the game at 24 apiece. The shot from Cunningham tied the game for the sixth and final time in the half. Following a missed three pointer from the Lady Falcons, junior guard
LaQwesha Gamble (Winter Haven, FL) was fouled and connected on both free throws to move JCSU ahead.
In the closing seconds of the period, Johnson C. Smith managed to produce a 32-28 advantage. Freshman guard Chante' Bell (Fayetteville, NC) drilled a mid-range jumper from the wing with 28 seconds remaining. That would be the last field goal from either team in the half; JCSU led at the break 34-28.
Gamble had a team-high nine points, five rebounds, and two steals for the Lady Golden Bulls. Junior guard
Shavonda Price (Ft. Wayne, IN) followed with six points. Devona Knight and Domonique China carried the Lady Falcons in the first with nine and eight points, respectively.
Despite being in control, Johnson C. Smith did not lose their lead in the second half. Surprisingly with 6:26 left play, Pfeiffer trailed 57-47. However, a 12-2 scoring run made the contest real interesting and tied it up yet again. Olivia Surratt gave Pfeiffer their only lead of the second half with a jumper (61-59) with 3:27 on the clock.
The Lady Golden Bulls rattled off five unanswered points (all free throws) for a 66-61 advantage with less than a minute to play. Brittany Cox was fouled shooting a three pointer, made all three, and drew Pfeiffer within two (66-64) with 39 ticks remaining. But those would be the last points scored from either squad as J.C. Smith picked up their first home win this season.
JCSU shot 43.5% from the field (20-46) and 72% from the free throw line (23-32), compared to 37% (19-51) and 62% (18-29) from Pfeiffer in the respective categories.
Gamble finished with a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds (10 defensive) along with four assists, two blocks, and two steals. Price also had 15 points followed by Cunningham with 10 points and three assists.
Cox had a game-high 16 points, while China and Knight scored 13 and 12 points, respectively.
“It always feels good to get a win and this one definitely had some teachable moments,” said JCSU head coach
Vanessa Taylor. “Pfeiffer was tough, we needed to improve on our offensive rebounding and I think we did in the second half. Gamble was a key contributor in scoring and rebounding; Shakeena stepped it up and made good decision to put us in position to get the victory. Tomorrow's game with Wingate will be another challenge.”
JCSU returns to action inside Brayboy Gymnasium on Sunday, November 21st at 4:00 p.m. against Wingate University on day two of the 2010 Queen City Classic.
