Nov. 16, 2007

Final Stats

Johnson C. Smith University traveled just 15 miles down Interstate 77 to take on #24 Newberry College in the Queen City Classic held at Queen's University (N.C.). The Lady Indians would shoot an impressive 60% from the field in the second half cruising to the 71-58 win in the season opener for both teams.

The game started with a technical foul against Newberry for not having their starters in the official scorebook by the prescribed time of 10 minutes prior to game time. Janai Jackson (Bowie, Md.) sinked the free-throws and without the clock even running, Smith had a 2-0 advantage. The gold and blue then went on a 5-0 run before the Lady Indians would score. Newberry finally erased the goose egg on a put-back by Tacarra Harris.

Sophomore Kyria Buford (Charlotte, N.C.) picked up two quick fouls within two minutes forcing her to sit the rest of the first half. Buford went to the bench with 12 minutes remaining in the first half.

Newberry eventually evened the score mid-way through the first half on a pull-up jumper by Leanne Watson. The lead would go back and forth until the end of the first stanza. JCSU allowed Brennen Long to connect on a long ball as time expired giving the Lady Indians the 26-24 advantage heading into the intermission.

JCSU scored the first bucket of the second half on a jumper by Demetria Bell (Indianapolis, Ind.). Newberry, however, went on an offensive tear and never relinquished the lead. The Lady Indians pulled away mid-way through the second half swelling the lead to as many as 17 points. JCSU rallied towards the end, cutting the lead to nine, but their efforts fell short of the victory by a score of 71-58.

Janai Jackson was one of two Lady Golden Bulls in double figures. The junior had 14 points and dished out two assists. Sophomore Kyria Buford had 12 points (10 in the second half) and six rebounds while Demetria Bell chipped in nine points and eight rebounds in the loss.

The loss drops JCSU to 0-1 overall while the Newberry improves to 1-0. JCSU will play Wingate University tomorrow, November 17, 2007 in the final day of the Queen City Classic. Game time is at 2 p.m. at Ovens Athletic Center.