LaQwesha Gamble had 23 points and eight rebounds in the 81-78 OT win ove Saint Augustine's
Box Score Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team churned out an 81-78 overtime victory against Saint Augustine's College on Monday evening inside Emery Gymnasium. JCSU improves to 19-5 overall, 13-2 in the CIAA, and 7-2 in the Southern; while the Lady Falcons fall to 13-12 overall, 8-7 in conference, and 3-6 in the division.
This game was tightly contested throughout the entire matchup. There were 17 lead changes and nine occasions when the game was tied. Each period ended with one team ahead by just three points. Saint Augustine's held a 32-29 halftime lead, despite shooting 26% (11-42) from the field in the first half.
The Golden Bulls outscored SAC 39-36 in the second half. A layup inside by sophomore forward
LaKendra Wilkerson (Greensboro, NC) gave JCSU a 68-67 advantage with 1:42 remaining in regulation. Umeka Benson went 1-of-2 from the free throw line to tie the game in the closing seconds. Both teams missed their final field goal attempts, sending the contest into overtime.
After slightly falling behind in OT, senior guard
Shavonda Price (Fort Wayne, IN) hit a big three-pointer to knot up the score 79-79 with 2:20 on the clock. On the next possession, senior guard
LaQwesha Gamble (Winter Haven, FL) converted an old fashion three-point play with a layup and free throw conversion.
Keyona Bryant of SAC was forced into a turnover and Gamble penetrated the paint again. She made two more free throw for a 79-74 JCSU advantage with 1:03 left to play in overtime. Johnson C. Smith squeezed out the win with 5-for-5 shooting from the foul line in the final 90 seconds of the extra period.
Four Golden Bulls scored double figures led by Gamble's game-high 23 points. Price and senior guard
Terran Quattlebaum (Mitchellville, MD) each produced 14 points, followed by Wilkerson with 10 points and six rebounds.
Bryant had 22 points and nine boards for the Lady Falcons. Brittany Torain added 13 points and four assists.
Johnson C. Smith will conclude the regular season at home against Livingstone College on Saturday, February 25th. JCSU women's basketball will salute their seven seniors for Senior Night in the final regular season contest. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside Brayboy Gymnasium.
