Karnina Bunch scored a career-high 24 points in the 54-53 win over Benedict at home
Box Score
Box Score vs. Benedict
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team is victorious over Benedict College 54-53 on Saturday evening at Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU improves to 3-4 overall, while the Lady Tigers fall to 3-6 in the standings.
Juniors
LaKendra Wilkerson (Greensboro, NC) and
Deanna Downer (Elberton, GA) scored the first two baskets in the paint to give JCSU a lead that would not be relinquished. The Golden Bulls held a 30-19 advantage after the first half. JCSU shot 52% (12-23) from the field, compared to 22% (6-27) shooting for the Lady Tigers.
The Golden Bulls bench outscored Benedict 26-9; thanks in large to junior guard
Karnina Bunch (Vicksburg, MS). Bunch had 17 points at the break, shooting 86% (6-7) from the floor.
In the second half, JCSU maintained control but the Lady Tigers were chipping away. A layup from junior guard
Chante' Bell (Fayetteville, NC) gave the Golden Bulls a 43-29 lead with 9:44 left to play. With just under three minutes, Benedict cut their deficit down to six points (52-46). A three pointer from Monique Weathers brought Benedict within one possession (52-49) with 1:57 on the clock.
Bunch nailed a jumper on the other end to extend the JCSU lead to five (54-49). Weathers responded with another three-pointer with 26 seconds remaining. A foul was called on Wilkerson and Benedict had a chance to tie the game at the free throw line. Chelsea Whittaker only made one free throw leaving the Lady Tigers still down one (54-53).
Strangely, Bunch managed to dribble out the last 26 seconds in the backcourt without being fouled. The win avenges a 57-38 season opening loss against Benedict and gives JCSU their third straight victory.
“Overall, I'm pleased with the victory and I'm glad the ladies didn't give up and let this one slip away in the end,” said head coach
Stephen Joyner, Jr. “I'm happy we got this one, but we have to quickly improve on our mistakes in practice.”
Bunch finished with a career and game-high 24 points in 33 minutes of play off the bench. Wilkerson had 10 points and six rebounds. The team's usual leading scorer, senior guard
Brittany Dorsett (Winston-Salem, NC), not only did not score, she failed to attempt a field goal.
JCSU returns to the court next Saturday, December 15th against Belmont Abbey College. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in Belmont, NC.
