Deanna Downer had 13 points and five rebounds in the 61-56 loss to Elizabeth City State
Box Score
Box Score vs. ECSU
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team drops a 61-56 cross-divisional contest to Elizabeth City State University on Saturday evening at Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU falls to 5-9 overall and 2-3 in the conference; while the Lady Vikings improve to 12-3 overall and 4-1 in the CIAA.
In the first half, the Golden Bulls shot a dismal 29% (7-24) from the field compared to 41% (9-22) for ECSU. Despite the differential, the score was still knotted up 25 apiece at halftime. Senior guard
Brittany Dorsett (Winston-Salem, NC) had a team-high eight points at the break, but also five turnovers. Junior forward
LaKendra Wilkerson (Greensboro, NC) chipped in five points and six rebounds.
Stephanie Harper paced the Lady Vikings with seven points and four boards in the opening. Guards Shatara Jackson and Shawnte Taylor each had six points for ECSU.
The second half really began to swing in favor of Elizabeth City State after a three-pointer by Jackson. The long range field goal gave ECSU a 44-33 lead with 10 minutes on the clock. The shot also marked a 19-8 run by the Lady Vikings in the initial 10 minutes of play in the second half.
JCSU faced a double digit deficit for the next seven and half minutes of action, in fact they trailed by as much as 15. However, an old fashion three-point play by Dorsett brought the Golden Bulls within nine (57-48) with 2:48 remaining. Junior guard
Deanna Downer (Elberton, GA) hit a jumper on the next offensive possession after ECSU failed to score.
With the score 57-50 and less than a minute remaining, sophomore forward
Brinee' Dancer (Duncanville, TX) stole the ball and drove down the court. Dancer was fouled under the basket, but only made the second of her two free throw attempts.
Elizabeth City State pushed their lead to 59-51 with a layup on the other end. A three-pointer by Dorsett with 24 seconds on the clock drew JCSU within five (59-54). Unfortunately, Stephanie Harper converted a field goal in the paint to pretty much conclude the game. Downer made two free throws to account for the 61-56 final score.
Dorsett concluded the night with a team-high 14 points, followed by Downer with 13 points and five rebounds. Wilkerson grabbed 12 boards (nine defensive) and scored seven points.
Jackson had a game-high 19 points for the Lady Vikings. Harper and Taylor each had 13 points.
JCSU will remain at home for their next contest against Virginia State University on Monday, January 14th. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Brayboy Gymnasium.
