LaKendra Wilkerson had the game winning free throws and her second consecutive double-double with 14 points and 12 boards in the road win over Bowie State
Box Score
Box Score vs. Bowie State
Bowie, MD – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team was victorious in conference action 63-61 over Bowie State University on Saturday evening at the A.C. Jordan Arena. JCSU improves to 5-7 overall and 2-1 in the CIAA; while the Lady Bulldogs fall to 4-6 in the standings and 1-1 in the conference.
The Golden Bulls only had three scorers in the first half. Senior guard
Brittany Dorsett (Winston-Salem, NC) had a game-high 13 points in the opening period. Junior guard
Kaylah Gholson (Brooklyn, NY) pitched in seven points, followed by sophomore forward
Briya Dancer (Duncanville, TX) with two at the break.
However, JCSU only shot 22% (6-27) in the initial half and trailed 31-22 at halftime. By comparison, Bowie State shot 43% (13-30) from the field. Jasmine McIntosh and Bria Robinson paced the Lady Bulldogs with eight points apiece going into the locker room at the half.
In the second half, the Golden Bulls gave a completely different effort. Eight minutes into the second half, JCSU managed to cut their deficit down to single digits (40-32). They continued to chip away until there was an opportunity to tie.
Junior guard
Deanna Downer (Elberton, GA) hit a jumper with 2:21 remaining to knot up the score at 56-56. Junior forward
LaKendra Wilkerson was fouled with 1:52 on the clock and sent to the FT line to shoot two. Wilkerson made both to give JCSU their first lead since 19:52 in the first half.
Jasmine McIntosh responded for Bowie State on the other end with two foul shots of her own. Downer was fouled on the next possession. She connected on the first attempt, but missed the second. Brooke Miles drilled a three-pointer from the left corner to move BSU ahead 61-59 with 53 seconds to play.
Wilkerson went to work in the post and was fouled again by the BSU defender. Wilkerson made both free throw attempts for a 61-61 tie with 35 ticks on the clock. Bowie State was off target on their offensive possession and JCSU snatched the defensive rebound.
Downer pushed the ball up court and dished inside to Wilkerson, who drew contact again. With on 1.2 seconds remaining, Wilkerson made both free throws without hesitation. BSU misfired on their final shot attempt and the Golden Bulls earned the comeback victory.
“Tonight was what it's all about, fighting back and never giving up,” said head coach
Stephen Joyner, Jr. “This was a big team win and everyone contributed. Now we have to get back, rest, and protect our home court on Monday.”
Dorsett led JCSU with a game-high 20 points, along with six rebounds. Wilkerson had her second consecutive double-double with 14 points and 12 boards. She was 10-12 from the free throw line, despite shooting 58% from the foul line on the season. Downer added 13 points and four boards.
Brooke Mile had a team-high 19 points for Bowie State. Jasmine McIntosh contributed with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
The Golden Bulls return home for their next game against Virginia Union University on Monday, January 7th. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU is 3-0 at home this season.
