Game Goes to the Wire as Virginia State Secures Eastern Division Crown
February 18, 2010
PETERSBURG, VA- A late layup and free throw by Virginia State’s Leslie Phillips proved to be the go ahead score as the Lady Trojans edged Elizabeth City State 69-66 Thursday afternoon at Daniel Gymnasium.
With 39 seconds remaining and her team trailing by two, Phillips’ unconventional three-point play gave the Lady Trojans a 67-66 lead. On their ensuing inbounds, a questionable travel was called giving the ball and the win to Virginia State. Tierney Rock sank to two free throws for the final point spread.
The Lady Vikings’ sloppy play proved to be their own undoing as they turned the ball over a season high 34 times; the first time they had 30-plus miscues this year. In the first half alone (ECSU trailed 36-29 at the break) 22 Lady Viking miscues led to 19 points for Virginia State.
ECSU trailed by with 16:59 to go in the game before orchestrating a 15-3 run to build a five point lead with 6:35 left (55-50). After that point the game saw five more ties and three more lead changes before the final and decisive minute.
VSU’s win secures the 2010 Eastern Division Championship and makes the Lady Trojans the only team that ECSU failed to defeat or split with this season. The Lady Trojans (21-4) two games with ECSU were decided by a combined eight points.
Four Lady Vikings scored in double figures with Joyce Freeman finishing with a game high 15 points. Kenyatta Gill and Shaquella Johnson added 13 points apiece while Kearah Jefferys chipped in with 13.
ECSU (17-9, CIAA 11-9) now wait for the final seeding which will determine their opponent and game date at next week’s CIAA Basketball Tournament. For more information on ECSU Athletics, visit www.ecsuvikings.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment