FLORENCE, S.C. — The Shaw University women's basketball team opened the 2026-27 season in dramatic fashion Tuesday evening, overcoming a 17-point deficit before outlasting Francis Marion University 86-83 in overtime at the Smith University Center.
In the first game of the Ebony Tanner era, the Lady Bears (1-0) displayed resilience, defensive intensity and timely execution to secure their first victory of the season in a contest that featured multiple momentum swings and a thrilling finish.
Nakia Bardney delivered a dominant performance off the bench, posting a game-high 30 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Bardney shot 9 of 19 from the field and 12 of 14 from the free-throw line, including two crucial free throws with three seconds remaining in regulation that forced overtime.
Janiya Johnson provided an equally impressive performance, pouring in 26 points on 8-of-14 shooting, including three 3-pointers. Johnson added four steals and two assists while connecting on a pivotal 3-pointer during the extra period to help Shaw take control.
Together, Bardney and Johnson accounted for 56 of Shaw's 86 points.
First Quarter: Lady Bears Face Early Adversity
Francis Marion (0-1) established the early momentum, using an aggressive defensive approach and transition opportunities to build a sizeable advantage.
The Patriots opened the contest with a 7-2 run and continued to capitalize on Shaw turnovers, extending their lead to 23-7 with three minutes remaining in the opening period.
Shaw struggled to find its offensive rhythm early, committing 12 first-quarter turnovers while shooting 5 of 13 from the field.
Despite the slow start, the Lady Bears received contributions from Demya Phifer and Bardney, who helped keep Shaw within striking distance.
Francis Marion carried a 26-11 advantage into the second quarter.
Second Quarter: Shaw Finds Its Rhythm
The Lady Bears began to turn the tide in the second period, using increased defensive pressure and improved offensive execution to erase nearly the entire deficit.
After Francis Marion extended its lead to 28-11 early in the quarter, Shaw responded behind Bardney, Johnson and freshman Jahzury Anderson.
Anderson knocked down a pair of 3-pointers, while Bardney established herself in the paint with several key baskets and trips to the free-throw line.
Johnson provided the offensive spark late in the half, connecting on two 3-pointers in the final two minutes, including a shot with 13 seconds remaining that brought Shaw within one.
The Lady Bears outscored Francis Marion 28-14 in the second quarter, shooting an efficient 8 of 13 from the floor and 4 of 6 from beyond the arc.
Shaw entered halftime trailing just 40-39 after facing a deficit as large as 17 points.
Third Quarter: Patriots Regain Momentum
Francis Marion responded after halftime, regaining control with an efficient offensive performance.
The Patriots shot 11 of 17 from the floor in the third period and used their inside presence to rebuild their advantage.
Johnson continued to lead Shaw's offensive attack, scoring on several key possessions, while Bardney battled in the paint to keep the Lady Bears within reach.
However, Francis Marion closed the quarter with timely baskets, including a layup from Terriana Gray with three seconds remaining, to take a 63-54 lead into the final 10 minutes.
Fourth Quarter: Shaw Rallies to Force Overtime
Facing a nine-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, Shaw delivered its strongest defensive stretch of the evening.
The Lady Bears opened the period on a 13-0 run, holding Francis Marion scoreless for more than four minutes.
Nyasia Pauldo began the rally with a layup before Bardney and Anderson fueled the comeback.
Anderson connected on consecutive baskets to bring Shaw within two, and Bardney followed with a three-point play at the 7:27 mark to give the Lady Bears their first lead of the night, 64-63.
Shaw extended its advantage to 67-63 following another Bardney basket with 5:38 remaining.
The Patriots refused to go away, eventually regaining the lead in the closing minute.
A layup from Jasmine Grant with 42 seconds remaining put Francis Marion ahead 72-71. Gray later added a free throw to extend the Patriots' advantage to 73-71 with seven seconds left.
With the game on the line, Bardney drew a foul and calmly stepped to the free-throw line with three seconds remaining.
The junior converted both attempts, tying the contest at 73 and forcing overtime.
Francis Marion had one final opportunity in regulation, but Gray's layup attempt missed in the closing seconds.
Shaw outscored the Patriots 19-10 in the fourth quarter.
Overtime: Lady Bears Finish the Job
Shaw carried its late-game momentum into the extra period.
Johnson and Pauldo each converted early free throws to give the Lady Bears a 75-73 advantage.
After another Johnson free throw and a Francis Marion response, Johnson delivered one of the biggest shots of the evening, connecting on a 3-pointer with 3:17 remaining to extend Shaw's lead to 79-74.
Bardney continued to dominate inside, converting two free throws before scoring a layup with 1:44 remaining to give Shaw its largest lead of the contest, 83-74.
Francis Marion mounted one final comeback attempt, cutting the deficit to 84-81 in the final 30 seconds.
Bardney again answered at the free-throw line, knocking down two attempts with 20 seconds remaining to push Shaw's lead to 86-81.
A layup by Trinity Fields trimmed the advantage to three with 13 seconds remaining, but the Lady Bears' defense held firm.
Aniyah Howard blocked a late 3-point attempt by MacKenzie Feagin, and Francis Marion missed its final shot from beyond the arc as Shaw secured the hard-fought 86-83 victory.
By the Numbers
Shaw finished the evening shooting 43.8% from the field (28 of 64) and connected on 25 of 38 free-throw attempts.
The Lady Bears held a 40-37 rebounding advantage, including an impressive 20 offensive rebounds that helped generate 24 second-chance points.
Defensively, Shaw forced 31 Francis Marion turnovers and recorded 16 steals, converting those miscues into 32 points.
The Lady Bears also scored 40 points in the paint and received 34 points from their bench, led by Bardney's 30-point performance.
In addition to Bardney and Johnson, Anderson contributed 10 points, including two 3-pointers, while Phifer finished with nine points and three steals.
Ashara Spruill provided a strong all-around effort with seven rebounds, four steals and three assists. Howard pulled down eight rebounds and recorded Shaw's lone blocked shot.
Francis Marion was led by Gray, who finished with 22 points and seven assists. Mariana Moody and La'Sonja Hill each added 13 points.
A New Era Begins With a Victory
Tuesday's victory marked a successful debut for Tanner as Shaw's head coach and provided an early demonstration of the Lady Bears' determination.
The Lady Bears finished the contest by outscoring Francis Marion 32-20 over the fourth quarter and overtime combined.
Shaw opens the season 1-0 as the program begins a new chapter under Tanner's leadership.
The Lady Bears return to action this weekend in Shippensurg, PA for the CIAA/PSAC Challenge.
