Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls

JCSU Women's Basketball Uses Strong Second Half to Down Chowan

1/5/2017 11:00:00 PM

JCSU Sports Information

Box Score Golden Bulls Use Strong Second Half to Down Chowan

Charlotte, N.C. -- (Jan. 5, 2017) – The Johnson C. Smith women's basketball team used a strong second half to down Chowan 82-71 in CIAA action on Thursday night at Brayboy Gym.

After trailing 34-32 at halftime, JCSU embarked on a 12-0 run over the first 5:16 of the third quarter and expanded the lead to as many as 10 points following an Anika Jones (Shelby, N.C.) layup at the 4:22 mark in the third quarter. Chowan would then start to chip away at the Golden Bull lead, closing to within 52-49 after two Courtni Williams free throws.

In the fourth quarter, Chowan would regain the lead at 61-60 after a Williams layup with 7:23 to play.  After being tied at 64-64 at the 5:18 mark, JCSU took control after putting together an 11-0 run that boosted the JCSU lead to 75-64 with 2:29 to play. Chowan could get no closer than nine points the rest of the way, as the Golden Bulls took the 82-71 win.

The JCSU defense rattled the Hawks all game, forcing 29 turnovers, converting those into 24 points. Neither team would shoot particularly well, with JCSU only managing a 39.3% (24-of-61) outing, while Chowan only hit at a 38.3% (23-of-60) clip.

The Golden Bulls had four players score in double-figures with junior Blaire Thomas (Waterloo, Iowa) leading the way with 24 points. Thomas went a perfect 7-of-7 from the field, including 3-of-3 from long range and managed a 7-of-9 effort from the free throw line.  She also had seven rebounds. Teammate Monique Hall (Melbourne, Fla.) contributed 16 points while Jones had 14. Rounding out the double-figure scorers for JCSU was junior Asha Jordan (Monroe, N.C.), as she chipped in 11 points.

Chowan's Countrni Williams finished with 19 points while teammates Jordan Payne and Chantel Roberts each had 10.

The loss drops Chowan to 10-4 overall and 3-1 in CIAA play while JCSU improves to 9-4 and 2-1 in league action.

The Golden Bulls will next be in action on Saturday, Jan. 7, entertaining Elizabeth City State in a 2:00 p.m. tipoff.