Box Score COCHRAN, Ga. — Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team battled wire-to-wire but came up just short in a 47–42 loss at Middle Georgia State on Tuesday evening inside Morris Gym. The Golden Bulls move to 1–2 on the season.

Senior forward Salote Franklin led JCSU with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five steals, recording a double-double while anchoring the Golden Bulls on both ends. La'Niya Simes followed with eight points and a team-high 12 rebounds, helping JCSU secure a 36–33 edge on the glass.

After trailing 12–7 after the opening quarter, the Golden Bulls used a strong defensive second period—holding the Knights to just one field goal—to enter halftime down 14–13. Middle Georgia State responded with a 16-point third quarter and held off a late JCSU push despite the Golden Bulls' 15-point surge in the fourth.

Tameia Shaw added seven points, while Amya Graham provided a spark off the bench with six points on perfect shooting. JCSU forced 15 steals and converted 16 points off turnovers but struggled from long range, finishing 0-for-12 from three.

Middle Georgia State (4–0) was led by Kennedi Hawkins, who posted 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Golden Bulls return to action next week as they continue nonconference play against Mars Hill College on Saturday.