ELIZABETH CITY, NC – The Chowan University Women's Basketball team remained one of the hottest teams in the CIAA with a 61-53 victory at Elizabeth City State University Thursday night. The Hawks have won four of their last five contests, including four in a row away from home. Overall, Chowan improves to 8-9 (5-4 CIAA, 3-0 North). With the loss, the Lady Vikings fall to 12-7 overall (5-4 CIAA, 1-2 North).

 

Neither offense could get much going early on, as only eight total points were scored in the first five minutes of the game. After ECSU took a 9-6 lead, sophomore wing Talaya Lynch drained a three pointer to tie the game at the 12:09 mark of the first half. The Hawk offense could not muster many points as the half went along, but once again relied on their defense to keep the game close. 

 

The Lady Vikings took the lead 21-15 with 2:40 left in the half with the help of a pair of three pointers. Two Kenyatta Gill free throws at the 35 second mark gave ECSU their biggest lead of the half at 28-20. The Hawks had the final say in the half, though, as star junior Ransheda Jennings converted an and-one with 16 seconds left to cut the ECSU lead at the half to 28-23.

 

Chowan came out of the second half gates firing, scoring the first four points to cut the lead to one. A Talaya Lynch jumper four minutes into the half gave the Hawks their first lead since the 14:36 mark of the first half, 31-30. After the teams traded baskets once more, an ECSU three pointer gave the home team a 36-34 lead. Chowan countered by scoring the next five points to take a three point lead.

 

The Lady Vikings showed their resiliency and fought back for a 45-41 lead with 9:20 remaining in the half. After two Jennings free throws, Chowan regained the lead at the 7:45 mark 48-47. They would not relinquish the lead as they turned up the defense down the stretch. Elizabeth City State managed only five points in the final six minutes of the game. Chowan knocked down five free throws in the final minute to seal the road victory.

 

Chowan was once again led by Ransheda Jennings, who tallied 20 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. She shot 12-14 from the charity stripe for the game. Talaya Lynch and Brittany Nicholson added 11 points apiece for the Hawks. Chowan capitalized on ESCU turnovers, scoring 19 points off the miscues. The Lady Vikings were led by Kenyatta Gill, who scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. 

 

Chowan returns to the friendly confines of the Helms Center for a Saturday matchup with Virginia Union University. Tip-off is set for 2:00pm. Elizabeth City State travels to Virginia State University this Saturday at 5:30pm.