The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) men’s basketball team dropped the first game of their road trip 78-55 to Philander Smith University (PSU) at the Dr. Crawford J. Mims Gymnasium in Little Rock, Arkansas.
UVI (3-8, 1-4 GCAC) fell behind early in the game as their opponents led 25-15. The Buccaneers battled to keep the game close as back-to-back baskets by Maurice Smith, Jr. brought the deficit to six as the team entered halftime trailing 30-24. The latter being a layup to beat the buzzer before the half.
The Buccaneers got off to a sluggish start in the second half but remained in striking distance early in the period. Despite several comeback attempts in the half, the Panthers were able to keep the Buccaneers at bay. The game began to slip away from UVI with five minutes remaining as PSU built on its lead.
Smith, Jr. had another stellar performance as he recorded his fifth double-double of the season. The 6-foot-7 forward recorded 21 points, to lead all scorers along with 11 rebounds.
Senior guard Naythan Shaw-Clarke added 14 points.
For the Panthers, Raymond Reece scored 18 points.
The Buccaneers return to action on Thursday January 9 as they visit Rust College in Holly Springs, MS for another GCAC conference game. This matchup can be viewed on Channel 120 of the HBCU+ app.
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.