RALEIGH, NC -- The Shaw women's basketball team got a 28-point showing from the bench on the way to a 56-48 victory over the Elizabeth City State Vikings at historic C.C. Spaulding Gymnasium Saturday.
The Lady Bears (10-8, 3-3 CIAA) had four players score in double figures, led by Brittiney Seymour with 15 points, eight rebounds and two steals. MaKenzie Pollard added 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists and Tanashia Hairston chipped in with 11 points off the bench.
The Shaw defense was a problem in Saturday's game, forcing 21 Elizabeth City State turnovers in a battle between CIAA Northern Division teams. Those takeaways turned into 18 points on the offensive end of the floor. Rita James led the way individually for the Lady Bears with four steals.
How It Happened
After falling behind 6-2, Shaw went on a 9-0 run with 6:29 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Randria Anderson, to take an 11-6 lead. The Lady Bears then surrendered that lead and entered the second quarter down 13-11.
The Lady Bears and Vikings then played an even second quarter making the halftime score 24-22 in favor of Elizabeth City State.
Following halftime, Shaw kept the Vikings from growing their lead before going on a 6-0 run, punctuated by a basket from Hairston, to grab a 39-35 lead with six seconds to go in the third. Before the conclusion of the third period, the Vikings had cut into that lead somewhat, but the Lady Bears still entered the fourth quarter with a 39-38 edge. Shaw's bench made the most of its minutes in the period, as non-starters totaled six of the team's 17 third-quarter points.
Elizabeth City State proceeded to take a 46-43 lead before Shaw went on a 13-0 run, finished off by Makenzie Pollard's layup, to seize a 56-46 lead with 1:30 to go in the contest. The Vikings narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Lady Bears still cruised the rest of the way for the 56-48 win. Shaw took advantage of seven Elizabeth City State turnovers in the quarter, scoring 10 points off of those takeaways.
Game Notes
» The Lady Bears went on a 13-0 run to erase a three-point deficit and take a 10-point lead with 1:30 remaining in the game.
» The Lady Bears held the Vikings to only 25 percent shooting from the field.
» Brittiney Seymour and Tanashia Hairston came off the bench to score 15 and 11 points, respectively.
» The Shaw defense forced 21 turnovers.
» Shaw got a game-high eight rebounds from both Makenzie Pollard and Brittiney Seymour.
Quotes
"They are a really good team. Getting those steals and loose balls were really important for us. It allowed us to go down the other end and execute," - Shaw forward Brittiney Seymour on what sparked the Lady Bears' key run late in the fourth quarter.
"Just get the ball in the hoop. When my teammates need me to score, I am going to score for them." - Shaw guard Tanashia Hairston on her three-point bucket during the Lady Bears' 13-0 run late that sealed the win.
Up Next
The Lady Bears host Virginia State on Wednesday, Jan. 18, to conclude an eight-game homestand. Tipoff between the Northern Division foes is 6 p.m.
