Playing their second game in a little over 24 hours, an injury-depleted Lincoln University women's basketball squad traveled to Norfolk, Virginia for their first road contest of the season, taking on Division I Norfolk State University Sunday afternoon. The Spartans of Norfolk State, also playing for the second consecutive day, took the lead early and ran away with the game, handing the Lions their third straight defeat, 62-28.
Lincoln falls to 3-8 with the loss. Norfolk State improves to 5-5 with the win.
Jaeda Davis (Milwaukee, Wis./ Rufus King HS) led the Lions with ten points, including a four-point play in the fourth quarter. The four-point play was the first by a Lions basketball player since
Courtney Smith (Milwaukee, WI/Nicolet HS) accomplished the feat on November 19, 2013 in the opening minutes of the second half against the University of the Sciences.
De'jah Taylor (Nanuet, NY/Paramus Catholic Regional) added seven points and a season high 11 rebounds.
Dominique Harper led the Spartans with 15 points.
The Lions had their most productive quarter of the game in the fourth and final period, outscoring their hosts 18-17. Davis started the scoring with a layup at the 8:17 mark, Lincoln's first field goal since the closing seconds of the first quarter.
Monique Cheek (Teaneck, NJ/Harford Community College) made it two consecutive baskets for the Lions before five straight points by the Spartans gave Norfolk State their largest lead of the game at 56-14. Taylor's traditional three point play then started a 14-2 flourish by the Lions, cutting the lead down to 30 at 58-28.
Loreal Bledsoe (Clinton, MD/Virginia University of Lynchburg) followed with a jumper before Davis completed her four-point play with 2:11 left. Taylor added another basket and Davis another 3-ball to end the run with 42 seconds left. NSU closed the game out with four points to provide the final 62-28 score.
Lincoln had an early 4-2 lead in the first quarter before the Spartans closed out the period with a 10-4 run to take a 12-8 lead. NSU blew the game open in the second quarter, outscoring the Lions 19-0 to lead 31-8 at the halftime break.
The Lions return to action on December 30, 2106 with a game at Wilmington University. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
