Elizabeth City, NC – Bluefield State University women's basketball dropped their first division matchup of the season 65-54 to Elizabeth City State. The Big Blue move to 10-6 (4-4 CIAA) with the Vikings moving to 11-7 (3-5 CIAA) on the year.
The Vikings opened play with back-to-back jumpers to take the 4-0 lead. The Big Blue pulled within one after a three from Sincere Roberts. At the 3:39 mark, the Vikings built a lead of seven, but a trip to the line for Shalance Montoya and a jumper from Azariah Binford cut the deficit to three. The Vikings scored with a minute left in the first quarter, but a layup from Jayla Sample took the Big Blue into the second down by three. After the Vikings opened the second with a three, a layup and two free throws for Shalance Montoya pulled the Big Blue within two. After a three by Alexyss Newman with a minute left in the second pulled the Big Blue within two, the Vikings answered to take the 32-28 lead into the half.
The Big Blue pulled within one after a three from Binford, but the Vikings went on a 17-point run to take the 52-36 advantage into the fourth quarter. The Vikings had their largest lead of the night midway through the half, 65-42. A three from Roberts sparked a 12-point run, but the Big Blue rally fell short 65-54.
Shalance Montoya led all players with 16 points and eight rebounds. Sincere Roberts came away 13 points, six rebounds and four steals and Azariah Binford adding seven assists.
Up Next
The Big Blue will travel to Virginia State University Wednesday, January 24th at 5:30 p.m.
