Beaufort, SC – On Saturday afternoon, the Regent University Women's Basketball team completed their two-game weekend road trip with a match-up with the University of South Carolina – Beaufort. The Sand Sharks are an NCAA Division II program, but that did not stop the Royals from coming out with a purpose. It also did not stop Junior Jabarria Brown (Paterson, NJ) from setting the the program's all-time single game scoring record, while also matching the record for the most field goals in a game.
After a quick turnover in the first quarter, Brown drained a three-pointer to grab the early lead, 3-0. USCB would make a comeback and eventually take their own lead, 9-5. However, a three-pointer and a free throw by Senior Kali Murrell (Long Beach, CA) tied the game back up. That was followed by a layup and free throw from Brown to suddenly put Regent back out in front 12-9. Murrell and Brown continued to find the basket to keep the Royals ahead and as the quarter ended, they held the advantage, 21-18.
Both teams had opportunities to begin the second quarter, but it was Brown's defense that set the tone, allowing Murrell to keep getting scoring opportunities. The defensive effort would continue with Junior Courtney Rowley (Lusk, WY) drawing a charge but eventually the Sand Sharks were able to trim the lead to four points. However, Brown would take a pass from Rowley and drain another three-pointer for their largest lead of the game, 33-24. That was followed up by a three-pointer from Murrell for the double-digit lead, but USCB chipped away at it to tie the game and they would go into the locker room after taking the lead as the half ended, 40-36.
The third quarter began with back-to-back baskets by the Sand Sharks to increase their lead to eight points, but Brown put Regent on the board with two free throws. Murrell would then hit a driving layup, but USCB was able to eventually go up by 10 points, 52-42 and as the quarter ended the Royals trailed by 69-53.
Freshman Zandie Smith (Cayman Islands) converted two free throws to start the fourth quarter, but the Sand Sharks answered with a fast break layup. While they were able to create some scoring opportunities, and kept pushing, Regent would ultimately fall to USCB by a final score of 85-70.
The Royals were led by Brown who scored 35 points, while Murrell finished with 19 points. In addition, Smith finished the game with 7 total rebounds. Regent will be back in action on Thursday, December 14th as they host Cheyney University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:00pm.
