CIAA25
Donald Watkins

Women's Basketball

Defense Powers Bluefield State in 74-59 Win Over Johnson C. Smith in Opening Round

BALTIMORE, MD - The Bluefield State Big Blue (11-18) opened the 2025 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Women's Basketball Championship Tournament with an impressive 74-59 win over the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls (7-19), Tuesday morning. Though Johnson C. Smith gave a valiant effort in the game, the Big Blue defense proved to be too much to overcome.
 
The game was a high-paced, competitive one with some breakout performances at both ends of the court. The Bluefield State defense stood out when they forced 32 turnovers in the game, including five steals from senior guard Azariah Binford. She didn't stop on the defensive end as she was also the Big Blue's leading scorer with 24 points in the game. Junior guard Jasmine Jenkins added a double-double 23 points with 12 rebounds. Johnson C. Smith had a pair of great individual efforts of their own with a double-double 19 points and 16 rebounds from graduate forward Ashlei Kirven. Sophomore guard Kamryn Williamson added 10 points as well.
 
Bluefield State controlled nearly the entire game, going ahead by as many as 17 points, 62-45, after a Jenkins lay-up with 8:56 left in the fourth quarter. Johnson C. Smith would make a last stand, cutting their deficit down to 11 points, 70-59, after a three-pointer from sophomore guard Betsey Burnett.
 
With the win, Bluefield State will advance to the quarterfinal round of the tournament where they will take on the top-seeded Fayetteville State Broncos, tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. Johnson C. Smith will complete the 2024-25 season with a 7-19 overall record.
 
For more information on the 2024-25 CIAA Women's Basketball Championship Tournament, log on to www.theciaa.com.
 
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Players Mentioned

Betsey Burnett

#1 Betsey Burnett

G
5' 8"
Sophomore
Ashlei Kirven

#11 Ashlei Kirven

F/C
6' 2"
Graduate Student
Kamryn Williamson

#3 Kamryn Williamson

G/F
5' 8"
Sophomore

Players Mentioned

Betsey Burnett

#1 Betsey Burnett

5' 8"
Sophomore
G
Ashlei Kirven

#11 Ashlei Kirven

6' 2"
Graduate Student
F/C
Kamryn Williamson

#3 Kamryn Williamson

5' 8"
Sophomore
G/F