JCSU women's basketball won the rebounding battle, but lost the war 71-49 to Shaw on the road
Box Score Raleigh, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team suffered a 71-49 divisional loss to Shaw University on Saturday, February 1st in C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium. JCSU moves to 11-9 overall, 6-5 in the CIAA, and 1-4 in the Southern.
Despite the opposing team's crowd, JCSU played Shaw to a draw in the first half. The Golden Bulls won the rebounding battle 31-19 in the opening. The Lady Bears shot 28.6% (10-35) from the floor, compared to 37.5% (12-32) shooting from JCSU. Shaw found success by forcing 15 turnovers in the first half and outscoring the Golden Bulls 11-4 off those turnovers.
Eight players had points for Johnson C. Smith at the break. Junior center
Chelsea Faulhaber (Spartanburg, SC) led the way with six points, followed by senior guards
Karnina Bunch (Vicksburg, MS) and
Marquesha Sparks (San Fernando, CA) with four points each.
Kaula Jacks set the pace for Shaw with nine points and two steals.
JCSU dug themselves into an insurmountable hole in the second half. Shaw exploded on a 19-4 run for nearly the initial 10 minutes of the final frame. The Golden Bulls faced a 46-31 deficit until sophomore guard
LaTondra Morrow (Charlotte, NC) nailed a three pointer with 10:06 on the clock.
The Lady Bears finished out the game with a 71-49 victory after shooting almost 52% (16-31) in the second half. JCSU committed a total 32 turnovers. Shaw won the points in the paint category 34-22 and points off turnovers 34-12.
The Golden Bulls shooting percentage dropped to 24% (7-29) in the final stanza. JCSU still had a 50-40 rebounding advantage at the conclusion.
Faulhaber led the Golden Bulls in scoring with 10 points. Senior guard
Deanna Downer (Elberton, GA) pitched in nine points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Three players had double figures in scoring for the Lady Bears. Jacks and Ariel Hatcher had 16 points apiece. Diamond Mitchell chipped in 10 points, six assists, and six steals.
JCSU returns to action on their home floor for a divisional rematch against Fayetteville State University on Saturday, February 8th. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Brayboy Gymnasium.
