Wilberforce Uses Big Second Quarter to Snap Bucs’ Win Streak

ST. THOMAS V.I.  The second quarter was all the difference in the game as visiting Wilberforce University was able to defeat host University of the Virgin Islands, 62-44, on the strength of a 30-point second quarter in women's basketball action on the second night of the inaugural UVI HBCU Basketball Classic.

The Bulldogs scored 30 of its 62 total points in the second quarter, flipping a 10-6 deficit into a 36-21 halftime advantage. After going 3-of-16 (19 percent) from the field in the first frame, Wilberforce went 12-of-26 (46 percent) in the second period.

Kaeani Berry recorded a third consecutive double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Kierra Neal led the Buccaneers with 14 points.

THE ESSENTIALS

Final Score: Wilberforce University def. The University of the Virgin Islands, 62-44

Records: UVI Women's 3-1 (0-1); Wilberforce 2-2 (1-0)

Location: UVI Sports & Fitness Center; St. Thomas, V.I.

Date: November 4, 2021

Event: Day 2 of the Inaugural UVI HBCU Basketball Classic, which features 12 games over the course of three days.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• Trailing 45-21, the Buccaneers showed resolve by going on a 10-0 run to cut into the deficit. It started with a Lynnea Pugh basket and featured old-fashioned three-point plays from Neal and Mia Davis. A Berry layup, with an assist from Melea Lovelace, who made her first appearance this season, was also included. 

• After being outscored 30-11 in the second quarter by Wilberforce, UVI immediately "won" the third quarter by a score of 14-11, thanks to a Berry basket and the "and-one" for the final points of the stanza.

• Over the course of about five minutes spanning from the end of the second frame and the beginning of third, Wilberforce went on a game-defining 19-0 run. After a Bass bucket made it a 27-21 game, Wilberforce ended the second quarter on a 9-0 run. The third period began with the Bulldogs scoring the first 10 points en route to a 45-21 lead. The 19-point swing was the difference in a game decided by 18 points.

• The Bulldogs opened the second quarter on a 20-4 run to take a commanding 26-14 lead. Berry logged the only field goals for UVI with a pair of layups, including one after corralling one of her four offensive boards.

• With three minutes left in the second, the Buccaneers finally recorded points on back-to-back possessions when Neal hit a three on an assist from Kashay Bass and then Mia Davis grabbed a defensive rebound and raced for a layup in the transition game to cut the deficit to 26-19. 

STAT FACTS

• Davis tied with Berry for a game-high of 13 rebounds. Her seven points were third on the team. Bass added 11 boards, including five on the offensive end. She had a game-high three blocks and added four points.

• Lovelace had a team-high four assists in her season debut. She logged 20 minutes, playing the entire second half. Pugh, also coming off the bench, had six points.

• Both teams struggled to buy points as Wilberforce shot just 34 percent (26-of-77) from the field and UVI was 29 percent on 17-of-58 shooting. Turnovers were more of an issue for the Buccaneers, who committed 33 turnovers and allowed 25 points off them. For comparison's sake, the Bulldogs had 20 turnovers but limited UVI to just nine points off the miscues.

• Wilberforce had three players score in double-digits, led by Amaiah Jones' 13 points.

UP NEXT

• The inaugural UVI HBCU Basketball Classic is coming to a close with the third and final day Friday. UVI hosts Huston-Tillotson at 6:30 p.m. in the Sports & Fitness Center.

• Wilberforce and Arkansas Baptist face off on the final day of the classic. They are set to take the court at 4 p.m.