Deanna Downer had 14 points in the 69-63 win over Belmont Abbey to close out 2013
Box Score Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team picked up a 69-63 non-conference victory against Belmont Abbey College on Saturday, December 21st at Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU improves to 6-4 overall and 4-0 at home, while the Crusaders drop to 7-5 in the standings.
The Golden Bulls started strong and jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first three minutes of play. JCSU held a lead for the entire first half and Belmont Abbey trailed by as much as 14 (30-16). The Crusaders trimmed down their deficit, but trailed 37-33 at halftime.
JCSU shot an impressive 52% (12-23) from the floor in the opening. Belmont Abbey shot 39% (13-33) from the field and lost the rebounding battle 20-17. Senior guard
Marquesha Sparks (San Fernando, CA) had a team-high seven points at the break, followed by fellow senior guard
Deanna Downer (Elberton, GA) with six points and four rebounds.
Belmont Abbey outscored the Golden Bulls 8-4 in the first five minutes of the second half. Kelsey Long put the Crusaders ahead for the first time at the free throw line with 15:02 on the clock. Downer hit a jumper on the next possession to retake the lead for JCSU. Long made a three-pointer for a 45-43 Crusaders' advantage.
JCSU reclaimed the lead for good with a 10-2 run. The Golden Bulls were ahead for the final 10:41 on the contest.
Sparks and Downer both had 14 points for JCSU. Sophomore center
Salesse Stovall (Roanoke, VA) had 10 points and six boards. Junior guard
Shanel Sweet (Land O'Lakes, FL) and senior guard
Karnina Bunch (Vicksburg, MS) pitched in nine and eight points, respectively.
McKenzie Owen led the Crusaders with 14 points and three rebounds. Kelsey Long finished with 13 points and three steals.
The Golden Bulls return to action in the New Year against Bowie State University on Saturday, January 4, 2014. Tipoff for this conference contest is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Brayboy Gymnasium.
