Shaw falls 67-72 in Double Overtime to Livingstone

 

January 27, 2007

 

Salisbury, NC – Robert Espinosa (6’7, Junior, Forward, Plainfield, NJ) recorded a double-double and scored a game high 20 points and 14 rebounds as the Bears of Shaw University (2-17; 0-12 CIAA) fell 67-72 in double overtime to the Blue Bears of Livingstone College (5-11; 3-8 CIAA).

 

Regulation was just not enough as they had to go to a double overtime to determine a winner in Trent Gymnasium. This game had 14 ties and 11 lead changes throughout before the winner would be decided.  

 

In the first half the score was knotted up 30 all. Shaw shot 44% from the floor and 37% beyond the 3-point arc while Livingstone shot 42% from the floor and 20% from beyond the 3-point arc. The Bears would cut down their turnovers to only eight in the first half. Shaw scored 12 points in the paint and 10 points off the bench in the first half.

 

The second half was more like the first as both teams scored 24 points a piece. The Bears shot 41% from the floor and 57% from the free throw line and the Blue Bears shot 26% from the floor. Shaw would be more aggressive in the paint in the second half as they scored 16 points in the paint, 12 points off 10 Livingstone turnovers and 6 second chance points.

 

The Bears and Blue Bears would get into the first overtime and score four points each but the Blue Bears were ready for the second overtime. Shaw scored 9 points to Livingstone’s 14 and that proved to be enough to put them over the top as they defeated the Bears in double over time. Espinosa would have a game high 20 points, 14 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 4 steals in the effort. Melvin Smith (6’3, Senior, Guard, Roanoke, VA) added 12 points and six rebounds. 

 

The Bears are set to take on the Panthers of Virginia Union University on Tuesday, January 30th on the campus of Shaw University. Action is set to tip-off at 7:30 p.m.