Jan. 2, 2008

Final Stats

Amber Stoney's (Orlando, Fla.) 17 points and 13 rebounds were not enough to help her JCSU team overcome a season-tying 26 turnovers, falling to Claflin 64-52 on Wednesday night. The Claflin Pantherettes (9-3) connected on 11 long balls en route to the 12 point victory, snapping JCSU's three game win streak.

Offensively, the Pantherettes had balanced scoring with three players in double figures. Ashley Sorrell-Gibson led CU with 19 points, Britani Martin and Jayshaun Bailey added 14 and 13 points respectively. CU shot the ball well in the game as they connected on 41% of their shots from the field, and 68% from the free throw line.

The Lady Golden Bulls (7-3, 3-0 CIAA) were led by Stoney's offensive and defensive efforts (17 points and 13 boards). Senior Rochelle Bodie (Raleigh, N.C.) contributed 13 points in the loss. Johnson C. Smith shot 31% for the game from the field and 70% from the free throw line, but struggled from three-point range. JCSU hit just two long balls on 14 attempts for a mere 14% from the field.

JCSU controlled the game for the beginning minutes to give the team a five point lead, but Britani Martin would connect on back-to-back three pointers to take the lead (20-19) with 8:59 to go in the half. Bodie answered the shot with a jumper but the Lady Golden Bulls would then go on a seven minute scoring drought until Stoney got fouled and hit both her free throws with 1:34 left in the first stanza. While JCSU was struggling to find the net, Claflin was busy taking the lead and went into the locker room up by four (29-25).

The second half was all Claflin as they swelled the lead to double digits early in the half. The advantage would increase to as many as 16 points and before it was all said and done, the scoreboard read 64-52 in favor of the home team.

JCSU moves on to face another set of Panthers, this time it will be the Lady Panthers of Virginia Union University on Saturday, January 5. Game time is slated for 5:30 p.m. in Richmond, Va