Lady Buccaneers Drop Back-to-Back Games in HBCUAC Crossover
Talladega, Alabama, January 5, 2025 – The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) women's basketball team dropped back-to-back games to kick off the second leg of the Historically Black College and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Crossover in Alabama.
In Saturday evening's game, UVI (0-7, 0-6 HBCUAC) was defeated 87-59 by Oakwood University at the Dr. Billy C. Hawkins Student Center in Talladega, Alabama. The Lady Buccaneers, with only seven players dressed due to several being listed as inactive, found themselves tied with Oakwood at 19 in an intense battle at the end of the first period. However, a late 12-5 run in the second quarter gave Oakwood the lead, and UVI trailed 40-30 at halftime. The game slipped away in the second half, leading to a comfortable victory for Oakwood.
Sophomore guard Ashukamay'ah Phillips stood out for the Lady Buccaneers, achieving her first double-double of the season with 20 points and 14 rebounds, along with three assists and three steals.
Senior forward Kashay Bass added 16 points and nine rebounds.
On Friday evening, the Lady Buccaneers faced the conference-leading Stillman Lady Tigers and suffered an 82-44 loss at the Birthright Alumni Hall in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Phillips led UVI with 12 points and seven rebounds, while Jaida Minter led all scorers with 16 points for the Lady Tigers.
"Each game, we set goals for what we want to and need to achieve" said head Coach Stephanie Cooper. "We are achieving some of those goals and making progress towards others. Despite our 0-7 record, the team displays resilience and unity. In each game regardless of the score, they play hard for all four quarters and rally behind each other. However, improving efficiency on offense and reducing turnovers is crucial for us to get in the win column."
The Lady Buccaneers have one more game at the HBCUAC Crossover, facing the Talladega Tornadoes on Monday at the Dr. Billy C. Hawkins Student Activity Center on their home court.
