Head coach Stephen Joyner, Jr. and the women's basketball program have started the season with three consecutive road games and prepare for a fourth
Box Score
Misenheimer, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team fell 69-66 in overtime against Pfeiffer University on Tuesday, November 19th at Merner Gymnasium. JCSU moves to 0-3 in the standings, while the Lady Falcons improve to 1-3 overall.
A rough shooting start led to a 28-24 deficit for the Golden Bulls after the first half. JCSU shot 30% (9-30) from the floor in the opening, compared to 38.5% (10-26) for Pfeiffer. The first half was low scoring, but very competitive. The lead changed five times in the initial frame and there were three ties.
The second half remained tightly contested and slightly went in favor of JCSU. Sophomore center
Ashley Porter (Winston-Salem, NC) made a layup at the 5:54 mark to give the Golden Bulls a 47-46 advantage. She was also fouled on the play, but could not connect on the free throw.
Porter grabbed an offensive rebound on the next possession that led to a put back. The high percentage shot moved JCSU ahead 49-46 with five minutes to play. With less than a minute remaining, senior guard
Karnina Bunch (Vicksburg, MS) hit a jumper for a 55-52 Golden Bulls' lead.
Carter Williams launched a jumper coming out of a spin move that made it into the basket with nine seconds left. Pfeiffer managed to steal the inbound pass and Amy Stellar was fouled. Stellar missed her first free throw, but made the second for a 55-55 tied with five seconds on the clock.
JCSU attempted one last shot before the end of regulation. Bunch got off a three-pointer that was off the mark and the game headed to overtime. The Golden Bulls failed to grab a lead in the extra period and free throws sealed the victory for the Lady Falcons.
JCSU finished shooting 28% (21-74) from the field and 66% (22-33) from the free throw line. Pfeiffer shot 34% (21-62) from the field and 72% (23-32) from the foul line, but lost the rebounding battle 57-46.
Despite the loss, Porter cashed in with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Bunch chipped in 13 points and three boards. Senior guards
Deanna Downer (Elberton, GA) and
Marquesha Sparks both nearly had a double-doubles. Downer had 10 rebounds and nine points; while Sparks pitched in eight points and six rebounds.
Williams set the pace for the Lady Falcons with game-highs of 19 points, 11 boards, and six assists. Alexis Stallard contributed 15 points and four steals.
The Golden Bulls will remain on the road for their next contest against Paine College on Thursday, November 21st. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Paine's campus in Augusta, GA.
