WBB: Livingstone gets CIAA win over Claflin, 57-46

Published 11:15 pm Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Staff report

SALISBURY — Livingstone got past one-win Claflin, 57-46, here Wednesday evening at New Trent Gym.

The Blue Bears improved to 12-13 overall and 7-4 in the CIAA. Claflin fell to 1-24 and 1-12.

After a deadlocked first quarter (12-12), Livingstone began the second period with an 18-0 run. Guard Adel Allen drilled three consecutive 3-point baskets, the last one giving the Blue Bears a commanding 26-12 lead.

Victoria Onozie followed Allen’s shot streak with two layups, pushing the lead to 18 points. Claflin finally scored with 2:12 remaining in the half, on a free throw from Danyelle Riddick, making the score 30-13.

However, in the third quarter, the Panthers climbed to within seven points on two occasions, at 30-23 and 38-31. Guard Daisa Harris scored six of Livingstone’s 12 points in the period, which ended with the Blue Bears ahead, 42-32.

Livingstone, which shot well for the game (20-of-45), kept a double-figure advantage in the final frame, the largest lead coming at 56-39, with 2:27 left in the contest. The Blue Bears also made 11-of-15 free throws (73 percent).

Harris led the Blue Bears with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Daijah Turner followed with 10 points and six assists. Onozie added nine points and six boards. Allen didn’t score again after her streak in the second period, finishing with nine points.

Claflin’s Dashia Jackson was the game-high scorer with 23 points — on 9-of-15 shooting.

NOTE: Livingstone returns to action on Saturday for its regular-season finale — at Winston-Salem State (2 p.m.). … The CIAA Tournament begins next week in Charlotte.

CLAFLIN (46) — Jackson 23, Long, Riddick 4, Hollins 1, Price 10, Mack 4, Dantzler 4, Goolsby, Thomas.

LIVINGSTONE (57) — Turner 10, Harris 16, Allen 9, Walker 5, Campbell 8, Terry, Onozie 9, Papakonstantinou, Crockett.

Claflin              12     5     15    14 — 46

Livingstone    12    18    12    15 — 57