MURFREESBORO – The Chowan Women's Basketball Team fell to the Elizabeth City State Lady Vikings Saturday in an overtime thriller, 57-51. Chowan now holds a 12-11 overall record (9-6 CIAA, 7-2 North). With the win, the Lady Vikings improve to 17-8 overall (10-5 CIAA, 6-3 North).

 

The Hawks came out of the gate ready to play, as they took an early 12-4 lead thanks to five early points from Brittany Nicholson. Elizabeth City State clamped down on defense from there, and went on a 6-1 run over the next 5:08 to bring the Chowan lead to 13-10 with 9:12 remaining in the half. 

 

A Najah Harris three pointer at the 3:36 mark regained the Hawks' eight point lead at 23-15. For the rest of the half, both teams went cold from the field, as only one field goal was scored. At the half, Chowan held a 23-17 advantage.

 

Two Talaya Lynch free throws 1:49 into the second half gave Chowan their largest lead of the game, 27-18. The Hawks offense then stumbled, scoring only three points over the next 9:10. Shantara Jackson put ECSU up for the first time with a layup at the 11:51 mark of the half.

 

The Lady Vikings took a five point lead with 6:25 on the clock on a Tiffany Gadsden jumper. The Hawks quickly responded by scoring the next nine points en route to a 44-40 lead with 3:39 remaining in the second half. Four free throws down the stretch allowed ECSU to force overtime. At the end of regulation, the teams were knotted at 44.

 

Talaya Lynch drained two early free throws in overtime to put the Hawks ahead, but they did not score again until there were 25 seconds left in the extra frame. The Lady Vikings opened up a 53-46 lead late in the period, and held on for the 57-51 road victory.

 

Brittany Nicholson and Talaya Lynch each scored 13 for Chowan. Lynch also pulled down a game high 15 rebounds. Kenyatta Gill and Shaquella Johnson each scored 11 to lead the Lady Viking attack. ECSU outscored Chowan 32-17 in the paint and 19-7 off turnovers. 

 

Chowan will travel to Virginia Union University Monday night for a CIAA North matchup. Tip-off is set for 5:30pm. Elizabeth City State will host Virginia State University Monday at 5:30pm.