Bluefield State Lady Blues Are Back-to-Back ECAC DII Champs

COURTESY BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE ATHLETICS
Box Score

LOWER OXFORD, Pennsylvania -- The Bluefield State Women's Basketball team defeated the #1 seed, Lincoln University, on their home court 72-70 in overtime. The Lady Blues have won the 2015 ECAC DII Championship and repeats as ECAC DII Champions (2015 and 2014).

In the first half, both teams were scoring and the lead changed quite a few times, but the Lady Blues took the lead and pushed it to 9 points after 2 made free-throws by Shakima Wiggins at the half.

In the second half, the Lady Blues quickly pushed the lead to 11 points after 2 made free-throws by Tonya Jackson, just under a minute into the game. But, the Lincoln University went on a 6-0 run to cut the lead to 5 with 15:11 on the clock. The Lady Blues came right back and pushed the lead back to 10 points.

Lincoln University would not give up and eventually cut the lead to 2 points at the 4:09 mark and eventually tied the game and took a 3 point lead with 1:18 remaining. Shakima Wiggins made 2 free-throws and Tasia Nolan made 1 out-of-2 free-throws to tie the game 60-60 with 31 seconds remaining.

The Lady Blues had an opportunity to take the lead, but missed the shot attempt and the game went into overtime.

Charity Harris
2015 ECAC DII Championship
Most Outstanding Player

Chaunte McDowell knocked down a 3-point shot just a few seconds into overtime, but the Lions came back and made a 3-pointer of their own to tie the game. The lead changed after each team had the ball offensively. With under a minute remaining, Shakima Wiggins made 1-out-of -2 free-throws to take the lead.

The Lions missed the shot attempt and Hope Smith grabbed a defensive rebound and Tanasia Blake was fouled. Tanasia made 1-out-of-2 free-throws for a 72-70 lead. The Lions had the ball to tie the game, but missed the shot attempt and the Lady Blues sealed the victory 72-70.

For the game, the Lady Blues shot 43.6% from the field, 23.5% from the 3-point line, and 71.4% from the free-throw line.

Senior center Hope Smith had a great game with a double-double. She had 15 rebounds and 13 points on 6-for-10 shooting. She also had 5 blocks and 1 steal. Freshman guard Chaunte McDowell had 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists. Senior guard Charity Harris had 12 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 1 block.

Charity Harris received the 2015 ECAC DII Championship Most Outstanding Player Award. The Lady Blues end the 2014-15 season with 21-7 record.

COURTESY BLUEFIELD STATE COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION