WVSU‘s Rally Fades Late in 80-74 Defeat Against Concord
West Virginia State’s comeback attempt fell short as they dropped an 80-74 decision to Concord University on Wednesday night.The Yellow Jackets battled back from a halftime deficit but were ultimately undone by concord’s strong free-throw shooting and late-game execution in the fourth quarter.
Baylee Goins and Phileah Bright sparked west Virginia State’s offense early, while Concord responded with baskets from Ziolkowski and Stubbs, punctuated by back-to-back three-pointers from Alexis Frazee that briefly gave them a double-digit lead. state countered by attacking the rim, with Jessica Osuanah contributing a pair of crucial tip-ins late in the first half.Both teams were evenly matched on the boards,each securing 15 rebounds in the quarter. State’s bench contributed 13 points, and a last-second fastbreak layup by D’Laneigh brooks ended the half on a positive note for the Yellow Jackets.
West virginia State’s strongest stretch came in the third quarter, outscoring Concord 25-16 to erase the halftime deficit and briefly take the lead. Sustained defensive pressure and interior scoring from Hickman, Latisha Parris, and Jackson fueled the rally. State converted 14 points inside, shooting 9-for-17 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the foul line. Jackson’s rim protection also proved pivotal, blocking multiple shots and igniting transition opportunities. A three-pointer from Parris and a series of strong drives helped State tie the game and eventually move ahead 54-53 with 31 seconds remaining. Concord answered with a late layup by Smith, but the Yellow Jackets closed the quarter having seized control of the game’s tempo and energy.
Concord regained control in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on free throws, defensive stops, and late-game execution, outscoring West Virginia State 25-20. The teams traded baskets and leads early in the quarter, with Young, Jackson, and Goins keeping the Yellow Jackets competitive. Jackson continued her strong performance, scoring midrange jumpers, grabbing rebounds, and adding another block as State briefly led 70-67 with five minutes left.
However, Concord’s composure at the free-throw line proved decisive. The Mountain Lions went 10-for-15 at the stripe in the period and scored seven points in transition, with Kiley Smich and Stubbs converting State turnovers into layups. Smith delivered key plays in the final three minutes, including a jumper, a putback, defensive rebounds, and four consecutive free throws during a stretch where WVSU struggled to score.
A technical foul assessed to West Virginia State head coach Whitney Bays with 59 seconds remaining further shifted momentum, allowing concord to extend its lead. State’s final attempts from long range were unsuccessful, and Concord closed the game by converting their last four free throws to secure the 80-74 victory.
WVSU will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2:00 p.m. when they travel to take on Glenville State.
