The team attempted to regroup during a timeout, but still suffered a 52-44 loss to Tusculum
Box Score Box Score vs. Tusculum
Greenville, TN – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team let a non-conference game against Tusculum College slip away in a 52-44 loss on Wednesday evening at Pioneer Arena. JCSU moves to 4-6 overall and 1-5 on the road, while the Pioneers improve 7-2 in the standings and 3-0 at home.
The Golden Bulls pounced on Tusculum in the first half to take a commanding lead. JCSU led by as much as 12 points (22-10) with 6:12 on the clock. The Pioneers were outscored 6-0 in points off turnovers and trailed 24-16 at the half. JCSU held a lead throughout the entire first half.
“The first half tonight was a good showing of what this ball club can possibly do if we change our approach to the game,” said head coach Stephen Joyner, Jr.
Senior guard
Brittany Dorsett (Winston-Salem, NC) led the way with 12 points and four rebounds at the break. Dorsett shot 50% (4-8) from the field and 66% (2-3) from beyond the arc. In the previous three contests, she had a combined 12 points.
As a team, JCSU shot 33% (9-27) from the floor and 80% (4-5) from the three-point line; while holding to Tusculum to 27% (8-30) shooting and 0-10 from long distance.
In the second half, the Pioneers quickly erased their deficit with a 10-3 run in the opening three and half minutes. After falling behind by one, Dorsett hit two free throws to regain a 29-28 lead for JCSU. April McCann answered with a layup on the other end to move Tusculum back in front. The Pioneers held a small advantage until the five minute mark.
Junior forward
LaKendra Wilkerson (Greensboro, NC) capped an 8-0 JCSU run with two free throws that tied the game at 40-40. Tusculum rattled off the next six points, which built a cushion that would not be lost.
“We must practice every day at the highest level of competition and push each other day in and day out,” Joyner continued. If we don't change then we'll continue to see what we saw tonight, one good half and one terrible half.”
JCSU shot 20% (5-25) from the floor and 9% (1-11) from the three-point in the second half. Meanwhile, the Pioneers improved their shooting to 48% (15-31) in the final half. The Golden Bulls were beat on the glass 45-33 overall and 24-14 in the second half.
Dorsett finished with a game-high 16 points, along with four boards and two steals. Junior guard
Karnina Bunch (Vicksburg, MS) contributed with 11 points, two assists and two steals. Wilkerson also chipped in seven points and seven rebounds.
Ashley Thurman led Tusculum with 16 points, followed by Breaira Barksdale with 12 points and five assists. April McCann had a double-double of 10 points and 10 boards along with three blocks. Three-point specialist Kendal Baxter was held scoreless and shot 0-5 from deep.
“I have challenged everyone in the program to return dedicated to working hard and ready to give their all every day,” stated Joyner. “I'm excited to see the response.”
JCSU return to action in the New Year for conference action against Lincoln University on Thursday, January 3rd. Tip-off is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Manuel Rivero Hall.
