The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) men’s basketball team dropped the final game of their three-game road trip to Tougaloo College, 80-51, at the Kroger gymnasium in Tougaloo, Mississippi on Saturday evening. UVI falls to 3-10 on the season and 1-6 in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC) play.
In a game that had the making of a good matchup early on, UVI got off to a positive start behind the offensive fire power of senior guard William Steger. Steger scored eight of UVI’s first 12 points. However, at the midway point of the period, the Buccaneers’ offense began to struggle and their opponents opened an 18-13 lead. At half time the, the Buccaneers found themselves trailing 35-23.
UVI’s offensive struggles continued into the second half which allowed the Bulldogs to build on their lead and keep the game out of reach for the Buccaneers.
Steger scored a team-high 15 points to lead the Buccaneers offensively, making four of his attempts from behind the arc.
Maurice Smith, Jr. made his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor as he recorded three blocks and two steals. Smith, Jr. the team’s leading scorer, also recorded 11 points and five rebounds.
As a team, the Buccaneers were able to force 18 Bulldog turnovers.
For Tougaloo, Keondre Montgomery had 21 points.
The Buccaneers will return home to the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center for their next matchup as they host Dillard University on Thursday, January 25. In their last meeting, the Bleu Devils escaped with a 63-55 victory.
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.