Women's Basketball stumbles against UVI
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands - The Wiley University women's basketball team struggled to hit shots and possess the ball - overshadowing double-digit scoring performances by Alayia Francis and Minnie Miller in a 54-47 loss against the University of the Virgin Islands Thursday at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center.
The Lady Wildcats (11-10, 6-7 GCAC) are on a three-game losing streak. However, they remain in fifth place, holding a half-game lead over Oakwood University and a one-game lead over Tougaloo College.
Miller led the team with 12 points, recording her third game in double-figures. She added six rebounds. Francis scored 10 points for her second straight double-digit scoring game. She provided four steals, three rebounds and two assists. Jamiya Eaddy led the team with 14 rebounds, four steals and three assists.
Wiley was outshot 30.9 to 21.7 percent. It missed on all 26 three-point attempts. The Lady Wildcats committed 24 turnovers with 12 coming off steals. They forced 28 with 14 on steals. Virgin Islands took more advantage of its takeaways, outscoring Wiley 24-18 on points off turnovers.
In the first quarter, the Lady Wildcats jumped out to a 10-point lead. The Lady Buccaneers missed their first four shots and turned the ball over three times. Wiley hit five of nine from the field. It only made one of nine shots during the next six minutes. This allowed UVI to finish the quarter with a 9-2 run and trim the margin to three.
Wiley started the second quarter strong, hitting three of four shots to take an 18-12 lead with 8:20 remaining. It missed its next 12 shots and turned the ball over nine times. The Lady Buccaneers went on a 12-2 run, taking a four-point halftime lead.
The Lady Wildcats didn't hit a field goal until 4:07 left in the third quarter. They shot 3-for-14 and trailed by as many as 12. Baskets by Miller, Francis and Brianna Garrett pulled Wiley within six.
A layup by Francis and free throws by Miller and Tamia Dolls brought the Lady Wildcats within one with 7:37 remaining. A four-minute scoring drought allowed Virgin Islands to push the margin to 10.
Wiley will return to action on February 8 when it travels to the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference leader Rust College. The Lady Bearcats dominated Dillard University 68-33 on Thursday.
For more coverage on the Lady Wildcats visit Women's Basketball - Wiley University (wileyathletics.com)
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