Freshman guard Ashukamayah Phillips records her first career double-double in a 62-53 loss as the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) women’s basketball team surrendered the lead late to Southern University at New Orleans on Saturday afternoon at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center. Phillips finished the game with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lady Buccaneers (0-13, 0-9) hit the ground running as they jumped out to an early 15-7 lead and were in control of the game from the tip-off. They shot well from the field in the first period, especially from three-point territory where they shot an astounding 66%. On the defensive end of the floor, the UVI was able to force five turnovers in the opening period while holding its opponents to just 18% shooting. The Lady Bucs closed the quarter with a 20-13 lead.
UVI cooled off in the second quarter after their hot start but was still able to do enough offensively to maintain the lead. At the half, the Lady Bucs led 35-33.
SUNO scored the first basket of the second half on a three-point shot as the Buccaneers gave up the lead, the first time for the afternoon. However, that was short-lived as a three-point jump shot by graduate guard Brea Patterson reclaimed the lead for the Lady Bucs shortly after. At the end of the third quarter, UVI clung to a one-point lead over its opponents, 41-40.
The fourth quarter began with UVI extending its lead to six points in an effort to pull away from SUNO, but UVI battled back to tie the score at 51 with four minutes remaining. The Lady Buccaneers struggled down the stretch and their opponents escaped with the victory.
Patterson and Phillips combined for 34 of the team’s 53 points as the only two Buccaneers in double digits.
Mia Davis recorded a season-high 11 rebounds as she led all players in this category. Davis also added two blocks to the stat sheet on the defensive end of the floor.
For SUNO, Mckenna Harris scored 22 points.
The Lady Buccaneers will continue their homestand as they host Wiley College on February 1 for Breast Cancer Awareness Night at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness as we honor those who have fought the battle and shed light on a cause that is near and dear to our hearts. The action begins at 6 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.
