February 18, 2006

SU BEARS UPSET JC SMITH 74-69

Raleigh, NC – The Shaw University Bears snapped a three game losing streak and upset CIAA West power Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls 74-69.  The win improved SU to 6-19 and 5-10 in the CIAA, while JCSU falls to 19-6 and 11-3.

The outcome of the game went down to the wire, but the home standing Bears practically led all game and had one of their best complete games of the year.  The Bears defensive effort held the Golden Bulls to 36.9% shooting for the game and they also won the battle on the boards 41-39.

SU managed to control the tempo of the game and had their biggest lead 54-43 on Jason Coleman’s three pointer with 8:40 left.  JCSU fought back with a 10-5 run and cut the deficit to four 59-55 when Jerome Givens completed a three point play with 5:15 left.  A lay-up by JCSU’s Givens with 2:23 left tied the game at 60, but SU’s Daniel Jackson and Melvin Smith scored four points each, giving the Bears a 69-62 lead with 1:08 left.  Key free throws in the final 43 seconds and a dunk by James Rosebud held off the Golden Bulls.

SU’s Jackson had a career high 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists.  Rosebud finished with a double-double 19 points and 12 rebounds, along with three steals and three blocks.  Melvin Smith also added 12 points for the Bears.

Pacing the Golden Bulls was Charles Clarke with 30 points and eight rebounds, and John Fulton who finished with 13 points and a game high 18 rebounds.

SU will close out the regular season Tuesday, February 21^st, when they host Eastern Division rival Virginia State at 7:30 pm.