Terran Quattlebaum scored a career-high 27 points in the 68-66 divisional win over Shaw
Box Score Box Score vs. Shaw
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team edged Shaw University 68-66 in a huge divisional contest Saturday evening inside an electric Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU improves to 16-3 overall, 10-0 in the CIAA, and 4-0 in the Southern; while the Lady Bears move to 14-6 overall, 9-1 in the conference, and 3-1 in the division. The Golden Bulls win their 10th consecutive game with the victory.
This rivalry has proven to be the marquee matchup in CIAA women's basketball. Despite the respect both head coaches have for the other's program, it's personal on the court. Last season, the Golden Bulls swept Shaw during the regular season only to meet again in the CIAA Tournament Finals. The Lady Bears defeated JCSU to win the tournament championship and earn a bid into the NCAA DII Regionals. Shaw one upped Johnson C. Smith again in the regional championship and advanced to the DII Final Four.
Tonight's contest was the first time these two squads faced off since the epic saga last year. This was the battle for first place in the Southern Division. Both entered the game unbeaten in the conference and in the division. Watching the clash on the floor showed why.
The score was tied on five occasions and there were eight lead changes in the first half alone. The Golden Bulls ended the opening half with a feeble 32-20 advantage.
JCSU shot 30.8% (12-39) from the field in the initial period. Shaw shot slightly better from the floor with 33.3% (10-30) and won the rebounding battle 27-22. However, the Golden Bulls forced the Lady Bears to commit 12 turnovers compared to just three for them. Johnson C. Smith capitalized by outscoring Shaw 12-2 off those takeaways.
Senior guards
Terran Quattlebaum (Mitchellville, MD) and
LaQwesha Gamble (Winter Haven, FL) had most of the production for JCSU. Quattlebaum had a first half-high 13 points off 5-of-7 shooting. Gamble followed with eight points and seven rebounds, all boards were on the defensive end.
In the second half, both juggernauts continued to trade baskets down to the final minute. With 44 seconds left to play and the score knotted up for the ninth time; Aslea Williams of Shaw broke the tie with two free throws. Gamble answered on the other end by driving to the rim for a layup.
The Lady Bears lost possession when an offensive foul was called on Sequoyah Griffin. Senior guard
Shavonda Price (Fort Wayne, IN) hit a contested, big bucket in the paint to put JCSU ahead 68-66 with eight seconds remaining. Price was 2-of-16 from the field up to that point.
Brittney Spencer of Shaw misfired on a jumper as time expired and the Golden Bulls picked up the win.
Quattlebaum finished with a career-high 27 points, shooting 10-of-15 including five three-pointers. Gamble had her 10th double-double of the season with 15 rebounds and 12 points, along with five assists and four steals. Senior guard
Terrica Jones (Raleigh, NC) chipped in 11 points and three boards.
Crystal Harris and Aslea Williams led the Lady Bears with 20 and 19 points, respectively. Williams also pulled down 15 rebounds.
JCSU returns to action on Monday, February 6th when they challenge Fayetteville State University on their home floor. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. inside Capel Arena.
