Berry, Bucs Shine In Thrilling Win on Day 1 of the UVI HBCU Classic
| Final | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Arkansas Baptist (0-2) | 21 | 9 | 6 | 16 | 52 |
|
Virgin Islands (4-0, 0-0) | 12 | 17 | 8 | 21 | 58 |
ST. THOMAS V.I. Kaeani Berry had a gargantuan performance with 24 rebounds and 15 points as the Buccaneers recovered from an early 12-point deficit to defeat visiting Arkansas Baptist College, 58-52, on the first day of the inaugural UVI HBCU Basketball Classic Wednesday evening.
UVI Women's Basketball improved to 3-0 on the season after trailing 18-6 en route to a 21-12 deficit after the first quarter. The Buccaneers made up for that by outscoring the Buffaloes 17-9 in the second frame, leading to a halftime score of 30-29. After taking a one-point lead into the final period, UVI sealed the deal by scoring 21 points in the period, the most in any quarter this season by the Buccaneers.
At the helm of the charge was the overall play and defense of Berry, who had 15 defensive boards, a game-high five blocks, plus three steals. She added 15 points and nine offensive rebounds on 4-of-11 shooting and she was a tidy seven-of-eight from the charity stripe.
THE ESSENTIALS
Final Score: University of the Virgin Islands def. Arkansas Baptist College, 58-52
Records: UVI Women's 3-0
Location: UVI Sports & Fitness Center; St. Thomas, V.I.
Date: November 3, 2021
Event: Day 1 of the Inaugural UVI HBCU Basketball Classic, which features 12 games over the course of three days.
HOW IT HAPPENED
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Leading 50-49 with under three minutes to go, Berry recorded an impressive block on one end of the court and then absolutely bullied her defender for an easy layup and the lead on the offensive end. After another defensive stop, Neal drove in and weaved her way for a basket for the 54-49 edge.
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Kaya Evans preserved the win in the final minute. Ahead 54-51, Evans intercepted a pass intended for a three-point shooter in the corner. She then made both of her free throws to give UVI a five-point lead. With 17 ticks remaining, she returned with another pair of made free throws.
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Earlier in the fourth, Evans tied the game up at 46-46 with a three-pointer on assist from Kierra Neal. However, the Buffaloes answered with a three of their own on the very next possession.
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Lynnea Pugh may have had the highlight of the day in the third quarter. Down 35-31, Pugh logged a block and while diving out of bounds, she was able to tap the ball ahead to Evans. Taking advantage of a two-on-one fastbreak situation, Evans passed ahead to Kashay Bass for an easy two.
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Berry gave the Buccaneers their first lead at 37-36 since the opening basket with a layup with under 90 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
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The Buccaneers ended the game on a 12-3 run to flip a 49-46 disadvantage into the 58-52 final score. Before halftime, UVI went on an 8-0 run to close the gap to 30-29. Evans ignited the run with a three on a Neal assist then Neal made a three of her own (assist credited to Mia Davis) and put in a layup on the next possession.
STAT FACTS
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The difference in the game? Rebounding. UVI outhustled Arkansas Baptist to the tune of 68-50 on the boards. The Buccaneers had 19 second-chance points, compared to just three for the Buffaloes. Berry had 24 rebounds, Davis had 15, and Bass had 12. Evans and Neal each had six.
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Evans finished tied for the team-high with 15 points, four assists, and three steals.
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Bass' 12 points gave her a double-double for the day. Neal added 11 points to her four assists, two blocks, and a steal.
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Field goals were at a high premium for both teams. Arkansas Baptist shot 18-of-72 (25 percent) from the field and UVI went 20-of-76 (26.3 percent).
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Ikierra Mitchell had 26 points and 12 rebounds, both team-highs for Arkansas Baptist. No other Buffalo scored more than seven.
UP NEXT
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UVI looks to extend its winning and unbeaten streak to four games when they host Wilberforce at 6 p.m. Thursday for the second day of the inaugural UVI HBCU Basketball Classic. General admission tickets are still available.
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Arkansas Baptist will try to right the ship against Hutson-Tillotson in the 2 p.m. game of the UVI HBCU Basketball Classic Thursday.
