The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) women’s basketball team fell short 76-67 in rematch with Champion Christian College despite a strong comeback attempt Friday night at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness center. The loss brings the team to 0-4 on the season.
The two teams raced out to establish dominance in a tale of two quarters during the first half. Champion Christian outscored UVI in the first period 18-13. Yet, the teams entered the half tied at 31 as UVI returned the favor with their own 18-13 quarter led by Brea Patterson’s 10 points in the period.
In the second half of the game, Champion Christian pulled away and the Lady Bucs trailed by as many as 19 points. However, the defense came alive late in the game as the team mounted a furious comeback. UVI went on 19-5 run, caused six turnovers in the fourth quarter, and held their opponents to just 18.2% shooting from the field. They were able to close the gap to five points with under two minutes left in the game before the Lady Tigers extended the lead and sealed the win.
“The team fought hard. They battled back from behind to give us a chance late in the game ” said head coach Shannon Taylor. “We’re improving as a team and it’s reflecting in our play and on the stat sheet. They are trending in the right direction.”
Patterson finished with a game-high 20 points. The graduate guard shot perfect from the field in the crucial second quarter for the Bucs, including going 2-for-2 from behind the arc.
Freshman guard Ashukamayah Phillips and junior transfer Jordan Carter joined Patterson as the other two Buccaneers in double digits.
Phillips recorded 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists while being instrumental in her team’s comeback attempt, scoring seven points on their late run in the fourth quarter.
Carter contributed 11 points and was 4-for-4 from the free throw line.
The team was active on the defensive end of the floor as well, recording 11 steals and three blocks. They were able to force 17 turnovers throughout the matchup and capitalized scoring 26 points from those turnovers.
The Lady Buccaneers will be in Louisiana for their next two games as they take on Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) and Dillard University on December 9 and 11, respectively.
About UVI Athletics
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and, as of July 1, 2023, competes in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Entering the 2023-24 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 17th season of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. For more information on UVI Athletics, visit UVIAthletics.com.