JCSU Women Survive Wingate in OT 71-69
Janai Jackson’s Free Throws Propels JCSU to Victory
Kristene Kelly
November 17, 2007

CHARLOTTE, N.C. –  - Johnson C. Smith University (1-1) ended their participation in the Queen City Classic with a thrilling victory over Wingate University (1-1), 71-69 in overtime. Junior guard Janai Jackson (Bowie, Md.) was today’s hero as she converted three-of-three free-throws with .4 seconds remaining in overtime to give JCSU the dramatic win.

Sophomore Kyria Buford (Charlotte, N.C.) scored nearly half of the team’s first half points going into the intermission. By the end of the first half, Buford was 6-of-10 from the field and had 15 total points.

Wingate played tough throughout the contest cutting the lead to three with less than a minute remaining in regulation.  Jackson and Rochelle Bodie (Raleigh, N.C.) hit four crucial free-throws to make it a two possession game at 59-53. However, Wingate’s Anna Atkinson had another plan in mind. She somehow found her way to the basket, through heavy traffic, drawing the eventual foul. She hit the free-throw and just like that, it was a one possession game at 59-56.

On the next play, Buford, who already had four fouls, was called for a technical foul with 24 seconds, eliminating her from the contest. The Bulldogs sent Atkinson to the line and she converted both free throws. After three crucial attempts to in-bound the ball, Jessie Keitt fouled Jackson and sent her to the charity stripe. She again converted both free-throws and Smith had the three-point advantage with 18 ticks left. The score now read 61-58.

Bodie was called for a foul with eight seconds left sending Keitt to the free-throw line for a one-and-one. Keitt missed both free throws but Atkinson came up with the big rebound. She nailed the long ball with five seconds left to tie the score at 61-61.  Overtime was next in line.

In the extra session, Jackson scored five of the team’s 10 total points, including the last three free-throws that would be the eventual win for the Lady Golden Bulls. As JCSU tried to get one shot off, Jackson was fouled by Erica Crumlin as time neared expiration. She needed to only hit two-of-three free-throws to give JCSU the victory as there was only .4 seconds remaining. Instead, Jackson converted all three and she was met by her team with hugs of elation and relief.

Buford led all scorers in today’s contest with 23 points. She added eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Jackson finished with 15 points, dished out six assists and stole the ball four times. Senior Amber Stoney had her first double-double of the young season with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

Wingate was paced by Anna Atkinson who had a team high 20 points. She narrowly missed a double-double with nine assists and six rebounds. Kate Edwards was the other Bulldog with double digits contributing 11 points and seven rebounds.

The win gives JCSU some extra momentum heading into their first conference game on Tuesday, November 20 against the Lady Bears of Shaw University. Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Brayboy Gymnasium. 

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