Feb. 8, 2008

Final Stats

Johnson C. Smith University played Virginia State University for the second time in as many days looking for the season sweep of the Lady Trojans. The Lady Golden Bulls did so by a score of 58-49 in Ettrick, Va. Sophomore Kyria Buford (Charlotte, N.C.) recorded her 16th (10th consecutive game) double-figure scoring outing with 16 points and three rebounds.

Johnson C. Smith opened the game with a 4-0 advantage but VSU countered with an 8-2 run to take their only lead of the game at 8-6 with 14:46 remaining. JCSU capitalized on 15 Lady Trojan turnovers converting those into 19 points and an eventual nine point lead at the break. Buford was perfect in the first half with all three of her buckets coming from beyond the arc.

The second half saw both teams score 26 points apiece, but the Lady Golden Bulls' efforts in the first half would lead them to the victory. Senior Shemika Jones (Largo, Md.) whose value to the team extends beyond her offense, scored 12 points, pulled down five rebounds, and stole the ball three times. Demetria Bell (Indianapolis, Ind.) had nine points, six rebounds, and three blocks in the win.

Katania Walker was the one of two Lady Trojans in double figures with 20 points and six rebounds. Eugenna Carson added a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The win improves JCSU's overall record to 15-7, 10-3 in conference play. Virginia State falls to 9-13 overall, 3-10 in the CIAA. Johnson C. Smith ends their regular season against eastern division opponents with a record of 8-2. The next week will be a tough one for the Golden Bulls as they will face western division opponents in Saint Augustine's (Feb. 12), travel to Livingstone (Feb. 14) and then to Shaw University for a televised matchup in Raleigh, N.C.

Tuesday's contest against Saint Augustine's will be "Think Pink" night in support of breast cancer awareness. JCSU will be wearing pink uniforms donated by Russell. The Lady Golden Bulls will also honor breast cancer survivors at halftime.