CHARLOTTE, NC— Day One of the CIAA Tournament featured several fights to stay alive in over eight hours of “survive and advance” women’s hoops. After four consecutive heated match-ups, four teams advanced to face the top seeds in the Quarterfinals on Wednesday and Thursday.
[inFeedTextOnly]
Lady Vikings find rhythm
Elizabeth City State, fourth seed in the CIAA North, was first to advance after its 70-65 victory over Saint Augustine’s. Sophomore guard Asia Deal led the Lady Vikings with 19 points. Junior forward Ny’Asia Davis contributed a 10-point, 13-rebound double-double off the bench.
ECSU will return to the court to face the top south seed, Fayetteville State, in the Quarterfinals on Wednesday at approximately 2:20 PM.
Bulldogs catch fire
After a close game initially, Bowie State followed with a big victory over Shaw, 73-47. BSU’s senior forward and Defensive Player of the Year Kyaja “JJ” Williams led all scorers with a double-double performance featuring 22 points and 13 rebounds for second-seeded BSU.
BSU has a day off, then will have a rematch against No. 2 South seed Johnson C. Smith in the Quarterfinals on Thursday around 3 PM.
Lady Trojans not done yet
Sixth seed Virginia State continued the North’s hot streak with its 57-45 upset win against the fourth southern seed, Livingstone. The Lady Trojans broke a four-game losing streak with its win, led by junior guard Natalia Leaks’ 17-point contribution.
VSU will face a familiar rival in Virginia Union, top seed in the CIAA North, in the Quarterfinals on Wednesday at approximately 4:30 PM.
Lady Rams charge Claflin
The last game featured two CIAA South teams. Third seed Winston-Salem State closed out the women’s opening round with a 60-51 win over seventh seed Claflin. WSSU’s Melody Prichard led all scorers with 22 points.
The Lady Rams will have a day off before facing second northern seed Lincoln (PA) on Thursday at 1 PM.
[inArticle]
[matchedContent]
[inArticle]