Lady Bucs Take Down #23 Eastern Florida

Lady Bucs Take Down #23 Eastern Florida
December 30, 2024

Americus, GA- The 9th ranked Shelton State Women's Basketball team bounced back from their 3rd loss of the season yesterday to take down the 23rd ranked Eastern Florida State Lady Titans, 68-44.

The Lady Bucs were led by sophomore Lameria Thomas who posted her second consecutive double-double with a 13-point, 11 rebound performance. Julie Nekolna scored a game-high 14 points, including going 8-9 from the free throw line, while also pulling down 9 rebounds. Janiyah Bone poured in 11 points behind 3 trey balls, and Jaylen Pleasant knocked down two 3's enroute to a 10-point game.

The first 3 minutes of the 1st quarter saw both teams struggle to find solid footing as the Lady Bucs sputtered out to a 6-2 lead with 7 minutes to play. The Lady Bucs would then go on to score the next 12 points ending the quarter with an 18-2 lead. The Lady Titans continued to battle despite the deficit as they outscored the Bucs in the 2nd quarter (17-15) but the Lady Bucs were able to convert 4 of their 8 attempts from beyond the arc to keep the Lady Titan rally at bay. "Our response today was exactly what I was hoping for," said head coach Madonna Thompson. "Just like every other big game we have played; it came down to the 3 ball and free throws." The Lady Bucs shot 48% (10-21) from beyond the arc and 71% (10-14) from the charity stripe compared to just 21% (3-14) and 18% (3-16) for the Lady Titans.

The 2nd half followed the same script for the Lady Bucs as they stayed hot from distance, hitting 6 of their 11 attempts from 3. "Our ability to not only maintain our lead but continue to grow the lead speaks to the maturity level of our team," said head coach Madonna Thompson. "We always say good teams do not go away, and they (Eastern Florida) are a good team that is extremely well coached. I am hoping we can build on this win as we get ready not only for tomorrow but for conference play as well."

The Lady Bucs wrap up the South Georgia Tech Holiday Classic tomorrow as they face Chattanooga State at 2:00 PM (EST).