News Summary
The St. Andrews Knights women’s basketball team faced a tough battle against the CIU Rams, losing with a final score of 68-60. Despite a promising start, the Knights struggled in the second half, marking their third consecutive loss this season. Londaisha Smith shone with 24 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory. The Knights will look to rebound in their next game against Tennessee Wesleyan on Saturday.
St. Andrews Knights Women’s Basketball Team Falls to CIU Rams, 68-60
The atmosphere at Harris Court was electric on Wednesday night as the St. Andrews Knights women’s basketball team faced off against the Columbia International University (CIU) Rams. Unfortunately for the Knights, the evening ended in disappointment as they dropped the match 68-60, marking their third consecutive loss this season.
Game Recap
Right from the tip-off, the Rams took charge, scoring the first three points and quickly establishing a lead with nine of the first eleven points in just over three minutes. However, the Knights rallied back, and by the end of the first quarter, they found themselves ahead 18-13. Londaisha Smith made a crucial layup with just 46 seconds to go, setting a positive tone for the Knights.
It was Smith who continued to shine, scoring five points within the first minute of the second quarter, which allowed St. Andrews to extend their lead to 23-13. Demonstrating impressive teamwork, the Knights surged to their largest advantage in the game, maintaining a 14-point lead at 30-16 with just over seven minutes to go until halftime.
Halftime and Turning Point
As the teams headed to the locker rooms, St. Andrews held a solid lead of 39-30, largely thanks to a timely three-pointer from Mariah Leinbach just before the break. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when the Rams entered the second half with an aggressive 8-0 run, quickly closing the gap to just one point at 39-38.
St. Andrews managed to respond with a three-pointer from Smith, which briefly restored some breathing room. But despite ending the third quarter with a narrow lead of 51-45, things took a turn for the worse. The Knights faced challenges in maintaining their game plan and were outscored 23-9 in a decisive fourth quarter.
Late-Game Drama
The tension was palpable in the final minutes as the game was tied at 53 with just under seven minutes left on the clock. That’s when the Rams capitalized on their opportunities and launched a dominating 9-0 run, gaining a significant advantage that the Knights struggled to overcome.
In a spirited attempt to wrestle back control, St. Andrews attempted a late comeback with a 5-0 scoring run, narrowing the gap to just 62-58. However, it was too little, too late, as the Rams secured their first win of the season against AAC opponents.
Player Highlights
Londaisha Smith was the standout for the Knights in this matchup, scoring a remarkable 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting. She not only showcased her scoring ability but also contributed significantly on defense with seven steals and five rebounds, underlining her all-around skill set. Katie Moore led the squad in rebounds, pulling down six, while Jamicia Davis took the lead in assists with five, illustrating the team’s ability to distribute the ball effectively.
Statistical Overview
Despite the loss, St. Andrews had the upper hand in several important statistical categories, including a strong free throw percentage (81.8% to 80%), rebounds (27 to 22), and an impressive performance in points in the paint (30 to 20). They also dominated in fast-break points, outscoring the Rams 19 to 0, suggesting that the team had moments of speed and agility throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
As the Knights reflect on this tough defeat, they are set to regroup for their next challenge. St. Andrews will head on the road to face Tennessee Wesleyan on Saturday, with a noon tip-off scheduled. It’s an opportunity for them to shake off the recent setbacks and return to their winning ways.
In related news, it’s worth mentioning that St. Andrews’ men’s basketball team also faced a loss to CIU, falling 76-62, marking their record at 3-14 overall this season.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Laurinburg Exchange: SAU Basketball Teams Drop Third Straight at Hands of CIU
- Laurinburg Exchange: SAU Women’s Basketball Picks Up Third Consecutive Victory Over Bluefield
- Laurinburg Exchange: SAU Men’s Basketball Victorious at Home
- Your Daily Journal: St. Andrews Unveils First Ever Locker Room for Football
- WSSU Rams: Women’s Basketball Travels to St. Andrews Monday Night
- Wikipedia: Basketball
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