Jan. 28, 2006

Final Stats

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - The Lady Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith University won their eighth consecutive game on Saturday evening as they defeated the Lady Rams of Winston-Salem State University by the score of 67-56 at the Joel Coliseum Annex as they improved to a perfect 7-0 in the CIAA and remain in sole possession of the CIAA Western Division race.

First half action was exactly as fans of CIAA women's basketball would have expected as the CIAA Western Division-leading Lady Golden Bulls of Johnson C. Smith jumped out ahead of the host-team Lady Rams by as many as nine points.

WSSU found themselves trailing by that same margin (nine points) with only 4:57 remaining in the first half of play as JCSU looked as though they would pull away headed into the locker room at halftime.

However, seldom-used WSSU reserve guard Richea Harris tallied three mid-range jump shots, a deep three-pointer, a pair of assists and a pair of steals in less than five minutes of play as her perfect four-of-four shooting performance sparked WSSU to a first-half closing 17-0 run as the Lady Rams turned a seven-point deficit into an eight-point lead at 35-27.

The second half of play was all Lady Golden Bulls as they chipped away at WSSU's eight-point cushion with aggressive defense and transition baskets throughout the first half of the second period.

JCSU's Tiana Pope converted a pair of free throws with 6:06 remaining in the contest to give the Lady Golden Bulls back the lead at 50-49 as Pope led JCSU on a 9-0 run en route to a lead that they would never relinquish and ultimately to the 67-56 win.

Shalonda Carter tallied her ninth double-double of the season as she tallied 20 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.  JCSU's Brittney Sumpter led the Lady Golden Bulls with a game-high 24 points and four rebounds.

With the loss, the Lady Rams fall to 7-13 overall, and drop to 2-7 in the CIAA (1-2 CIAA West).  The Lady Golden Bulls improve to 12-6 overall and move to a perfect 7-0 in the CIAA (4-0 CIAA West) with the win.

WSSU will return to action on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 5:30 pm as they play host to the Lady Broncos of Fayetteville State University at the Joel Coliseum Annex as the Lady Rams continue CIAA Western Division play.

For additional information on WSSU women's basketball, contact the WSSU Office of Sports Information at (336) 750-2143 or log on to the Official Website of WSSU Athletics at www.WSSURAMS.com

- wssurams.com -