Nick Kolsin, Sports Reporter
The UNCP Braves Women’s Basketball team defeated the Elizabeth City State Vikings in non-conference action Wednesday night at home. The Braves shook off an early struggle and managed to get things rolling as they picked up the 67-55 win. The Braves improved to 16-6 (10-2 in CC) on the season with the win while the loss dropped the Vikings to 14-9 (6-6 in CIAA).
The Braves jumped out to an early 10-3 lead before the Vikings responded with a 7-3 scoring run to cut the Braves lead down to 12-10, the Braves managed to close the first quarter out with the 18-12 lead. Despite the Vikings shooting 9-12 in the second quarter, the Braves were able to hold onto their lead by forcing a total of seven Viking turnovers while putting together points on the offensive side of the ball. UNCP took the 37-31 lead heading into the locker room.
The Vikings started the second half by cutting the Braves lead within five 40-35 midway through the third quarter. But the Braves were able to keep the offensive momentum going while shutting down the Vikings defense, they held the 49-42 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Braves continued to expand their lead starting the fourth quarter sparking a 10-2 run to quickly push the lead out to 58-46 lead. The Braves closed things out with their largest lead of the night with it being 65-52. UNCP closed it out for the win.
“Yeah, we talk about first five of the game and the first five of the second half and trying to set the tone in both of those. Those moments are always important in the games that are being played,” UNCP’s women’s basketball coach John Haskins said on the Braves start to the first half and second half of the game.
Kalaya Hall led the way for the Braves finishing with 25 points, with two assists and two rebounds while two steals came away on defense. Zaria Clark followed with a double-double performance with 10 points and 11 rebounds and added an assist and a deal and block on defense. Aniah McManus finished the night with 10 points, three rebounds and five steals on defense. Kelci Adams also scored 11 points and five rebounds.
“Just trying to get her going downhill, and she’s got a knack even if she’s in a crowd to get us a pretty good shot up at the rim.” Haskins said on Kalaya Hall’s performance.
The Braves will face the Erskine Flying Fleet this Saturday at the Bank at 2 p.m. in Conference Carolina action.