Baltimore, MD – Bluefield State University women's basketball took down 5S Johnson C. Smith 74-59 in the opening game of the CIAA Tournament. The Big Blue will now face the defending champions Fayetteville State University 1N on Wednesday, February 26th at 4:30 p.m.
"Today was a historic moment for our program as we secured our first-ever victory over Johnson C. Smith," said Head Coach Paul Davis. "It was a true team effort, and what stood out the most was how our players responded when their numbers were called."
The Big Blue opened play with the fist two baskets to take the 4-0 lead, the Golden Bulls answered with seven points to take the three-point lead. Midway through the quarter, a layup from Jasmine Jenkins sparked a 10-point run to give the Big Blue the 16-9 lead. After a three from Zaynah Robinson pushed the Big Blue lead to 11, but a Golden Bulls free throw cut the lead to 10 going into the second quarter. The Golden Bulls pulled within six of the Big Blue with 1:18 left in the second, but a layup from Caiyiah Smith and a free throw from Jenkins took the Big Blue into the half with the 31-22 advantage.
The Golden Bulls scored the first seven points out of the half to be down two, but a Jenkins layup and free throw and a three from Binford extended the lead to eight. The Big Blue closed out the third on a six-point run to take the 16-point lead into the final quarter. The Golden Bulls pulled within 11 of the Big Blue, but free throws from Smith, Binford and Jenkins sealed the 74-59 victory over Johnson C. Smith.
"We had key contributions from players who stepped up in crucial moments – whether it was knocking down big shots, locking in defensively, or making the hustle plays that don't always show up on the stat sheet. Everyone stayed ready, and that mentality made the difference," said Davis.
Jasmine Jenkins was named Food Lion MVP with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Azariah Binford added 24 points with Azahreya Drayton-Gill coming away with 10 rebounds.
"This win is bigger than just one game," said Davis. "It's a testament to the hard work we've been putting in every day and the belief we have in each other. I'm proud of how we battled, and this victory adds another building block to the foundation we're creating here at Bluefield State."
Final: Bluefield State 74, Johnson C. Smith 59
Up Next: Bluefield State 4N vs. Fayetteville State University 1S Wednesday, February 26th at 4:30 p.m.
