Winston-Salem State Lady Rams (3-2) hosted Anderson University (2-2) Dec. 12 in the season’s second home game.
For the second time this season, WSSU women’s basketball team battled the Lady Trojans. Hoping to improve their 3-1 start, the Lady Rams deployed an athletic starting five anchored by the team’s leading scorer, junior guard Courtney Medley.
The Lady Rams struggled the first half of the game, scoring just nine points from the field. Despite using a run-and-gun offense, WSSU managed to score their first field goal almost six minutes into game play. Meanwhile, Anderson University quickly found an offensive rhythm, outscoring the Lady Rams 9-0.
Penalties were a problem for the Lady Rams as well, racking up 10 turnovers in the first half alone.
The second half was a different story for the Lady Rams.
A layup by Medley just one minute into the second half ignited the Lady Rams offense, bringing the once quiet crowd — and the WSSU sideline — to their feet.
The Lady Rams were able to stay afloat by utilizing several substitutions from their deep bench. Junior forward Carlisa Haggler scored eight points from the bench, helping to close the gap between WSSU and the Lady Trojans.
A furious rally by the Lady Rams intensified on both ends of the ball, forcing 20 turnovers against the Lady Trojans.
Anderson University, which once led by as many as 12 points, saw their lead dwindle to five points after halftime. A solid second-half performance by sophomore guard Jasmine Newkirk, which registered a total eight points in the contest, helped to make the game come alive.
As the game progressed, the Lady Trojans lead over WSSU was cut to just one point. A three-pointer by Haggler at the second half 13:03 mark put the Lady Rams into the position to take the lead for the first time in the ball game. However, the Lady Rams defense fell short of denying Anderson University’s key shots, and was never able to clinch the advantage.
The Lady Trojans picked up the hot hand in the last five minutes of the game, driving the score up once again. With less than a minute left in the second half, the Lady Rams saw themselves up against an eight point deficit. Last minute offensive efforts from Newkirk, Medley, junior forward Chloe Morse and junior center Jordhan Peterson brought the Lady Rams within five points, but were unable to translate into a win.