University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) graduate guard Maurice Smith, Jr. scored a season-high 24 points to lead his team in a 91-82 loss to Fisk University on Friday night at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center.
In an even slated matchup, the two teams posted relatively similar stats with both teams above 50% from the field, above 75% from the free throw line and exactly 40% from three-point territory. However, most of the game was played down low as each team scored 50 plus points in the painted area.
The first half started as an intense battle where the conference foes traded baskets and lead changes. The Buccaneers shot well from the field offensively but could not slow down their opponents on the other end of the floor. Smith, Jr. kept the Buccaneers in the game with his 14 points in the period, but his team still trailed 39-31 heading into halftime.
After the break, UVI (2-7, 0-3 GCAC) shot an astounding 60% from the field as the team was fueled by a highlight reel dunk by junior forward Nico Thomas. Despite the efficient shooting by the Bucs, the Bulldogs were able to maintain a steady lead and escape with the win during the Buccaneers’ comeback attempt.
Smith, Jr. capped off another spectacular outing for the Buccaneers, leading all scorers. He shot an efficient 9-for-14 from the field and made three of his four three-point attempts. The 6-7 forward also recorded his fourth double-double of the season as he added 12 rebounds.
Naythan Shaw Clarke scored 19 points in his return to the floor for UVI after being sidelined with injury the last two games. Seventeen of Shaw-Clarke’s 19 points came after the break as he led the team offensively in the second half. Jalil Langston also added 17 points for the Bucs.
For the Bulldogs, Jayden Locket scored 22 points.
The Buccaneers return to action on Saturday, January 6 as they take on visiting Oakwood University in another GCAC conference matchup at the EWB Sports and Fitness Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. AST.
About UVI Athletics
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and, as of July 1, 2023, competes in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Entering the 2023-24 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 17th season of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. For more information on UVI Athletics, visit UVIAthletics.com.
