Posted: Dec 19, 2015
Fayetteville, NC – The Fayetteville State University women's basketball team defeated Elizabeth City State University 64-50 in a CIAA contest held Saturday, December 19th at Felton J. Capel Arena. FSU improves to 7-5 overall and 2-1 in conference, while the Lady Vikings fall to 3-7 overall and 1-2 in the CIAA.
The Lady Broncos had their most impressive showing this season against a conference opponent. Freshman forward Chinwendu Maduegbunam (Charlotte, NC) scored the first two field goals for FSU. Fayetteville State sparked a 10-2 run in the first five minutes of the first quarter.
Freshman forward Caleia Jones (Shelby, NC) made a layup just before the buzzer to end the period. Elizabeth City State trailed 13-8 going into the second quarter. FSU outscored the Lady Vikings 11-2 in the first.
Fayetteville State maintained an advantage throughout the second quarter. ECSU faced a 32-23 deficit at halftime. Maduegbunam had a first half team-high of nine points at the break. Sophomore forward Courtney Best (Raleigh, NC) and freshman forward Vernessa Hinnant (Selma, NC) each had six points and four rebounds.
Elizabeth City State was outscored 14-10 in the third quarter. Freshman forward Kara Straite (Greensboro, NC) scored the final field goal of the third for a 46-33 lead. FSU had a 9-1 advantage in the points off turnovers category.
The Lady Broncos did not come close to relinquishing their lead in the fourth quarter. ECSU faced a deficit as large as 21 (62-41) with 1:45 left to play.
Best finished with team-highs of 12 points and six rebounds. Senior guard Doreen Richardson (Salisbury, NC) chipped in 11 points, four assists, and three steals. Hinnant produced 10 points, four boards, and three steals.
Imani Heggins had a double-double of 18 points and 11 rebounds. Jasmine Nixon also produced a double-double of 10 points and 15 boards.
Fayetteville State will take a brief break before returning to the court on December 30th against Wingate University. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. in Cuddy Arena in Wingate, NC.
