JCSU women's basketball will be looking to regroup and recover after a 60-49 loss to Livingstone at home
Box Score Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team fell short of victory in a 60-49 loss to Livingstone College in a CIAA Southern Divisional matchup on Saturday, January 25th in Brayboy Gymnasium. JCSU moves to 10-8 overall, 5-4 in the CIAA, and 0-3 in the division; while the Lady Blue Bears improve to 10-9 overall, 5-4 conference, and 1-2 in the Southern.
The first half played to a draw with the scored knotted up at 28-28 apiece. There were five lead changes and seven ties in the first half. Both teams shot below 30% in the opening. The Golden Bulls were 23.5% (8-34) from the floor, compared to 29% (10-34) for Livingstone.
Sophomore center
Ashley Porter (Winston-Salem, NC) led JCSU in the initial period with seven points and four rebounds. Senior guard
Karnina Bunch (Vicksburg, MS) chipped in six points.
Despite Porter scoring the first points of the second half, the Golden Bulls found themselves in a hole. The Lady Blue Bears produced 11 unanswered points to take a 39-30 lead with 12:13 left to play. JCSU cut the deficit down to four (42-38), but never managed to retake the lead.
The Golden Bulls continued to struggle shooting in the second half. JCSU connected on just 21% (7-33) in the second frame, while LC's shooting improved to 31% (10-32). The Lady Blue Bears outscored JCSU 32-21 in the second half for the victory.
Bunch and Porter finished with 13 points each. Senior guard
Marquesha Sparks (San Fernando, CA) had 10 rebounds and five points. Senior guard
Deanna Downer (Elberton, GA) had eight boards, six points, and two assists.
Four Lady Blue Bears had double digits in points led by Wende Foster with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Cierra York had 11 points, followed by Tiffany Evans and Ashley Walker with 10 points apiece.
JCSU returns to the court and the road for their next matchup against Winston-Salem State University on Wednesday, January 29th. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the C.E. Gaines Center on the campus of WSSU in Winston-Salem, NC.
