ETTRICK, VA — Shaw used a dominant fourth-quarter surge and a balanced defensive effort to defeat Lincoln (Pa.) 61–57 in a non-conference matchup Saturday afternoon at the Conference Challenge hosted in the Multipurpose Center.
The win moves the Lady Bears to 2–2 on the season and marks their second straight defensive-driven performance, highlighted by 12 team blocks and 10 steals. Shaw held the Lions to just 22.9 percent shooting from the field despite giving up 54 total rebounds.
D'Ayzha Atkinson led the way with 19 points, knocking down all nine of her attempts from the free-throw line while adding three steals and a block. Ashara Spruill delivered a standout showing in the paint with 12 points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Leasia Matthews added 11 points, including a pair of key free throws in the first quarter that helped Shaw build early momentum.
Shaw opened the game with a 14–8 lead after the first quarter thanks to aggressive transition scoring and second-chance opportunities. The teams traded runs in the second period, but Shaw held a slim 27–23 advantage heading into halftime.
Lincoln surged in the third quarter behind its interior scoring and offensive rebounding effort, outscoring Shaw 17–11 to grab a narrow lead heading into the final period. The Lady Bears responded with their best offensive frame of the game, erupting for 23 points in the fourth quarter while holding Lincoln to 17. Atkinson and Arianna Lopez , who finished with six points, three assists and two steals combined to help Shaw regain control behind timely scoring and defensive pressure.
Mahogany Collins anchored the defense with a team-high seven blocks, while Skylar Adams added five points and six rebounds off the bench to help secure the victory. Shaw also converted 16 of 17 free-throw attempts, finishing at 94.1 percent from the line which is a season high. .
Shaw forced 20 points off turnovers and scored 28 points in the paint, proving pivotal in a game where both teams played physical, defensive basketball.
Up Next
Shaw continues play in the Conference Challenge with another non-conference matchup against Virginia State on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m.
