Deanna Downer had a team-high 13 points in the 55-45 loss to WSSU at the Lawrence Joel Coliseum
Box Score
Winston-Salem, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team gets tripped up a 55-45 loss to Winston-Salem State University on Wednesday evening at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. JCSU moves to 8-16 overall, 5-10 in the CIAA, and 3-6 in the division; while the Lady Rams improve to 13-12 overall, 8-7 in the conference, and 4-5 in the Southern.
The Golden Bulls got off to a rough start in the first half. WSSU scored the first six points of the game and held a lead throughout the period. JCSU trailed 19-13 at the break. The team fell behind due to 37.5% (3-8) shooting from the free throw line and losing the rebounding battle 25-14 in the opening.
Junior guard
Deanna Downer (Elberton, GA) had a team-high six points in the initial period. Junior forward
LaKendra Wilkerson (Greensboro, NC) pitched in five boards.
JCSU completely turned the tides to the start the second half. The Golden Bulls exploded with a six minute, 12-0 run to grab a 25-19 lead. With 12:30 on the clock, JCSU held a 29-21 advantage after a layup inside by Wilkerson. Junior forward
Shayla Russell (Brooklyn, NY) hit two free throws at the eight minute mark for a 37-29 Golden Bulls lead.
JCSU hit another rough patch after the free throws from Russell. The Lady Rams sparked a 10-1 run to move ahead 39-38 with 5:16 remaining. Afterwards, Downer made a steal and was fouled on the play. She made both foul shots for a 40-39 Golden Bulls' advantage. That would be final lead of the game for JCSU.
WSSU closed out the contest with a 16-5 scoring differential in last four minutes. The Lady Rams made three field goals and shot 10-of-12 from the free throw line during the 16-5 stretch. Meanwhile, JCSU shot 25% (1-4) from the floor and 50% (2-4) from the foul line during the same stretch.
Downer finished with a team-high 13 points, along with three rebounds. Senior guard
Brittany Dorsett (Winston-Salem, NC) had 10 points, three boards, and two assists in her hometown return. JCSU shot 27.5% (14-51) from the field in the contest.
Three Lady Rams scored double figures led by Taylar Wells with 11 points. Schatavia Gray and Tareka Cesar each had 10 points.
“I'm disappointed in our performance tonight,” said JCSU head coach
Stephen Joyner, Jr. “It just boiled down to them wanting it more.”
The Golden Bulls return to action on Saturday, February 23rd in a nationally televised game with Shaw University. Game time is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. at Southeast Raleigh High School in Raleigh, NC.
