Lady Panthers Head To The Quarter Finals

Tuscaloosa, AL — In a spirited basketball match at Tuscaloosa, Philander Smith (AR) secured a decisive 73-61 victory over the Virgin Islands on February 25, 2025. The game showcased a mix of strategic plays and standout performances, marking Philander Smith's 16th win of the season.*

Philander Smith demonstrated a strong start, leading 23-14 in the first quarter, with Dasia Turner emerging as a key player. Turner delivered a stellar performance, scoring 26 points and contributing significantly to her team's overall efficiency. Her dynamic play was complemented by Sidney Townsend and Miracle Thomas, who scored 10 and 12 points respectively, helping Philander Smith maintain their momentum throughout the game.

The Virgin Islands, despite their best efforts, struggled to bridge the gap. Maliah LaCour was a standout for the team, scoring 19 points and attempting to rally her team with consistent offensive and defensive plays. Ashukamay'ah Phillips added 15 points, while Kashay Bass contributed 14 points and led the team in rebounds with eight.

A key factor in Philander Smith's victory was their shooting efficiency, hitting 45.2% from the field compared to Virgin Islands' 36.4%. Philander Smith's adept ball handling and strategic defense forced Virgin Islands into 28 turnovers, a significant aspect that tipped the scales in their favor.

The game had moments of tension, with a technical foul called on Virgin Islands' Maliah LaCour, reflecting the intensity and competitive spirit from both sides. Despite a resilient fourth-quarter effort by Virgin Islands, scoring 21 points, it wasn't enough to overcome Philander Smith's earlier lead.

With this victory, Philander Smith continues to bolster its season record, now standing at 16-10, while Virgin Islands falls to 2-16. The match, officiated by Theromile Flowers, Chris Reed, and Comrdra Powell, highlighted the strengths and areas for improvement for both teams as they move deeper into the season.