JCSU lost their third straight against Virginia State, LaKendra Wilkerson (headband) had a double-double of 14 rebounds and 11 points
GOLDEN BULLS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TRIPPED UP 52-40 BY VIRGINIA STATE AT HOME
Fifth loss in six games
Box Score
Box Score vs. Virginia State
Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team lost 52-40 to Virginia State University on Monday evening at Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU moves to 5-10 overall and 2-4 in the conference, while the Lady Trojans improve to 8-8 in the standings and 1-5 in the CIAA.
JCSU started off well, but things changed quickly. Two free throws by junior forward
LaKendra Wilkerson (Greensboro, NC) and a jumper by junior guard
Deanna Downer (Elberton, GA) put the Golden Bulls ahead 4-1 in the first two minutes of play. Then Da'Shae Jones made her presence felt for Virginia State. Jones tied the game, and then gave VSU a lead with back to back three-pointers.
A layup at the 14:06 mark by freshman guard
LaTondra Morrow (Charlotte, NC) brought JCSU within one (9-8). Jones answered again with one made foul shot, followed by yet another three-pointer. VSU managed to maintain an advantage throughout the first half. The Golden Bulls faced a 25-21 deficit at halftime.
Downer led JCSU with nine points at the break. Wilkerson supported the effort with eight rebounds and four points. JCSU shot 21% (6-28) from the floor in the opening half and committed 12 turnovers.
Jones had the hot hand for VSU with 12 points off 67% (4-6) shooting to include 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. The Lady Trojans outscored JCSU 14-7 off turnovers.
An old fashion three-point play by senior guard
Brittany Dorsett (Winston-Salem, NC) brought JCSU within one to start the second half. However, Ms. Jones widen the gap with a three-pointer on the other end. In fact, it seemed like each time the Golden Bulls were close, Jones would sink a deep ball for the Lady Trojans.
Virginia State held a lead for the entirety of the second half and concluded the contest with a 52-40 victory.
JCSU won the rebounding battle 46-34, but shot a season-low 26.5% (13-49) from the field. The Golden Bulls continue to struggle with keeping possession of the basketball. The team committed 28 turnovers against VSU, which marks 89 turnovers in their last three games.
Wilkerson led JCSU in scoring and rebounding with a double-double of 11 points and 14 boards. Downer had nine points and four rebounds, but also seven turnovers. Dorsett shot 1-of-17 (6%) from the floor, including 0-for-8 from the three point line.
Jones carried Virginia State with 25 points and shot 67% (6-9) from long range.
The Golden Bulls enter divisional play in their next contest against Fayetteville State University on Saturday, January 19th. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Brayboy Gymnasium.
