Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls

JCSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL OUTLAST SHAW 64-57 IN DIVISIONAL ACTION

2/14/2011 11:42:29 PM

Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team recovered with a 64-57 CIAA Southern Division victory over Shaw University Monday evening inside Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU improves to 20-2 overall, 12-2 in the CIAA, and 6-1 in the Southern; the Lady Bears fall to 14-11 overall, 7-7 conference, and 3-4 division. The Lady Golden Bulls played this game in their pink uniforms for the collaborative effort with the WBCA to raise breast cancer awareness; the team is 2-1 in pink.

J.C. Smith showed some positive aggression early in the first half. Shaw trailed 8-2 in the opening two and half minutes. The Lady Golden Bulls grew their lead to 14 (25-11) by the 6:26 mark in the first. Shaw faced a deficit for the entire first half and ended up being down 34-27 at halftime.

JCSU shot 31.7% (13-41) from the field, compared to 25.6% (10-39) shooting from the Lady Bears. Johnson C. Smith lost the rebounding battle 32-24, but forced 11 turnovers and only lost three. Junior guard LaQwesha Gamble (Winter Haven, FL) had the most productivity with 10 points and eight boards at the break.

Shaw began fighting back in the second half. JCSU allowed the Lady Bears to get within single digits halfway through the period. Senior guard Tyra Breaux (Baltimore, MD) hit a three with 10:33 on the clock to get J.C. Smith out in front by 10 (49-39). Sharp shooting from former JCSU student-athlete Kyria Buford kept Shaw in contention, including a three that sparked a 7-0 run.

Buford scored on three straight possessions for Shaw, including two free throws at the 2:52 mark which resulted in tying the game 54-54. Back to back baskets from freshman forward Racquel Davis (Bamberg, Germany) and junior guard Terrica Jones (Raleigh, NC) gave JCSU a 58-54 advantage with two minutes left to play.

The Lady Bears got within one point (58-57) after another three-pointer from Buford. Ironically, that would be the last Shaw score. Gamble helped the Lady Golden Bulls close the game by scoring five of the team's final six points. A key up and under layup by Gamble with 34 seconds remaining put JCSU ahead 62-57 and clutched the win.

Gamble corralled a double-double with a team-high 17 points and 15 rebounds. Breaux was the secondary firepower with 14 points and six boards.

Buford had a game-high 26 points and 14 rebounds, including 5-of-10 (50%) shooting from the three point line. Demaria Liles contributed with 10 points and 17 rebounds for the Lady Bears.

Johnson C. Smith never trailed in the game and the score was only knotted up once. Shaw shot just 30% (22-73) from the field and 41% (7-17) from the free throw line, while committing 23 total turnovers.

This is the fourth 20-win season for head coach Vanessa Taylor at J.C. Smith and the fifth of her career.

JCSU returns to the court for another divisional contest against Winston Salem State University on Saturday, February 19th. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside Brayboy Gymnasium. Johnson C. Smith already captured a 64-60 victory over the Lady Rams earlier this season.