The University of the Virgin Islands women and men basketball teams started their three-game road trip with a stop in Jacksonville, Florida, for their engagement with Trinity Baptist College Eagles.
University of the Virgin Islands 91 – Trinity Baptist College 54
The Lady Buccaneers used an offensive explosion in the second quarter and suffocating defense in the third quarter to subdue the Eagles of Trinity Baptist College 91-54. The Bucs trailed by three going into the second quarter, but they led 44-36 at halftime. UVI shot 64% from the field, including 67% from three-point land in that second frame. In the third, the Bucs employed a full-court man-to-man press that produced eight turnovers limiting the Eagles to score just seven points in the quarter. The Lady Buccaneers sailed to a 91-54 victory over Lady Eagles.
Kaeani Berry led the way for the Bucs, dropping 20 points. Melea Lovelace and Amber Appiah-Kubi both contributed double-doubles. Lovelace scored 17 points and grabbed ten rebounds, while Appiah-Kubi recorded 15 points and collected ten boards for UVI. Triniti Snead scored 17 points for Trinity Baptist College and added 14 points in the loss.
University of the Virgin Islands 65 – Trinity Baptist College 62
The University of the Virgin Islands Buccaneers held off the Eagles of Trinity Baptist College 65-62 to claim their second win of the season. The Eagles were in full control of this game for the entire first half until they lost the lead on a LiWayne Richardson free throw with just 1:32 left before intermission. The Bucs expanded their lead to as many as 13 points, seemingly clipping the wings of the Eagles. But Trinity Baptist College ended the game on a 16-6 run. The Eagles did have an opportunity in the waning moments of the game to tie the score. They were down by only three points and had possession of the ball with just 6.5 seconds showing on the clock. However, the Eagles Ian Kanady’s attempt from about 40 feet away missed its mark, allowing UVI Bucs to escape with a 65-62 victory.
Richardson led all scorers with 18 points. Jamal Norris and Chris Williams added 12 points each for the University of the Virgin Islands. Fausto Alvarez led the Eagles with a double-double, scoring 12 and snatching 12 rebounds.
The University of the Virgin Islands will travel to Brunswick, Georgia, to take on the College of Coastal Georgia on Sunday, December 12, 2021. The Lady Buccaneers (6-3) will play the Lady Mariners (3-10) at 3 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time, and the UVI Bucs (2-7) will face the Coastal Georgia Mariners (4-7) at 4 p.m. AST.
