Brittane Neely went 7-of-16 from the free throw line for a game-high 13 points in a 44-37 loss to Chowan
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team drop their second consecutive division game after a 44-37 loss to Chowan University Thursday afternoon inside Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU moves to 16-8 overall, 9-8 in the CIAA, and 3-4 in the Western Division; while the Hawks improve to 9-13 overall, 6-11 in the conference, and 2-5 in the division.
This was a low scoring contest with offensive droughts from both teams. Halfway through the first half, neither team had reached double figures. The Hawks first four shots were made three pointers, which put them up 12-7 by the 8:13 mark. JCSU allowed an 18-3 scoring run put them in a 21-10 hole with 3:42 on the clock. Junior forward/center
Brittane Neely (Arlington, VA) hit three free throws sending JCSU into halftime down 21-13.
In the second half, Chowan went nearly eight minutes without a basket. The Lady Golden Bulls took advantage of the scoring drought and cut into the CU advantage. Junior guard
Shakeena Cunningham (Buffalo, NY) went glass for a three to draw JCSU within one (28-27) with 9:01 to play. The Hawks fired back and gained an eight point lead only for J.C. Smith to tie the game at 37 with 1:12 remaining.
Johnson C. Smith failed to score in the final minute and CU closed out the game with 5-of-6 shooting from the free throw line.
Talaya Lynch and Brittany Nicholson each had 10 points for Chowan.
Neely produced a double-double with a game-high 13 points, 12 rebounds (seven offensive), and three steals. Cunningham chimed in with seven points and three rebounds.
The Lady Golden Bulls had 34 free throw attempts and connected on 18 (53%). Meanwhile, JCSU shot a season-low 19% from the field (9-47).
JCSU will jump on the road to face Fayetteville State University on Saturday, February 13th in Fayetteville, NC. This divisional rematch is set to take place inside Capel Arena at 2:00 pm. JCSU will be looking to extract some revenge for a 63-57 loss at home to FSU and snap this two-game losing skid.
