The University of the Virgin Islands women’s basketball team fell to the Stillman College Lady Tigers 60-44 despite a second-half surge on the second day of the Tiffany Jackson HBCU Classic at the Mary E. Branch Gymnasium in Austin, Texas.
UVI (2-3) found itself playing from behind from the opening tip as Stillman established an early lead. A turnover-plagued first half sent the Lady Buccaneers into halftime, facing a 14-point deficit of 31-17.
An inspired Lady Buccaneers team emerged from the locker room as they mounted a second-half comeback to bring themselves within striking distance. Senior forward Kashay Bass narrowed the gap to five points with two consecutive free throws, leaving 1:31 on the clock in the third quarter. UVI outscored Stillman 20-12 in the period, setting the stage for a potential comeback in the final quarter.
The comeback attempt continued in the fourth quarter as the Lady Buccaneers responded to Stillman’s scoring with offense of their own as the teams traded baskets early in the period. Despite bringing the lead down to just a two-possession game at 46-41, the comeback attempt faltered as the Lady Tigers maintained their lead and secured the victory.
Bass finished the game with her second double-double of the season, recording 16 rebounds and a career-high 23 points, 16 of which were scored in the second half, as she led her team in their second-half surge.
Senior forward Keshara Romain contributed 12 rebounds, while junior guard Arianna Renault added four assists.
The Lady Buccaneers will now set their sights on a matchup with Philander Smith University at Mims Gymnasium in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 15. They will then travel to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to face Champion Christian College before returning to the Virgin Islands. Both games can be seen on www.UrbanEdgeNetwork.com.
St. Croix Source
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