shaw seized by vsu
Bears Conclude Regular Season With Eight Game Losing Streak
February 19, 2008 – Raleigh, NC – The Shaw University Bears honored their seniors prior to play against the Virginia State University Trojans. After 14 ties and Shaw scoring four players in double figures, the Bears were beaten by the Trojans, 77 – 73. The Bears record now stands at 4 – 22 Overall, 1 – 17 CIAA, and 1 – 7 Division.
The Bears were attacked early by VSU for a 5 – 0 lead. Shaw’s first made basket was fired from the fiery finger-tips of #21 Brandon “Game Time” Green (Forward / 6 – 6 / 210 / Senior / Slidell, LA) for a three-pointer. The Bears got an in the paint production from #30 Damola Obadina (Forward / 6 – 5 / 240 / Senior / Minneapolis, MN), but the Trojans still led 10 – 5. At the 11:10 mark, Shaw knotted the score 13 – 13 with two scores and a made free throw by #1 Will “Takeover” Graham (Guard / 5 – 10 / 175 / Junior / Minneapolis, MN). Shaw stepped up to their first lead, 17 – 16, with a behind the arc basket by #34 John “Kash” Kornegay (Guard / 5 – 10 / 180 / Senior / Detroit, MI). VSU retook the lead, 20 – 17, with a made bucket then free-throw by senior guard #3 Edwin Torres. Moments later, the Bears regained the lead, 21 – 20, after Graham flashed by defender and dashed down the lane for a lay-up. At the 5:21 mark, two made free throws by #00 Cori “Mr. Hustle” Gaither (Forward /6 – 5 / 190 / Jacksonville, FL) tied the game for the third time at 22 – 22. Shaw fathomed a five point lead over the Trojans after #11 John “Downtown” Douros (Guard / 6 – 2 / 180 / Junior / Raleigh, NC) dialed from deep and then Gaither caught a hailmary pass from Graham for the fast break lay-up. VSU retreated to the sideline for a thirty second timeout at the 3:16 mark as Shaw led 31 – 26. Nevertheless, the Trojans tip-toed back to be within one, 31 – 30 Shaw, with a score from sophomore guard/forward #33 Nate Idlet and then another made basket by sophomore guard #5 Trey Mines. The intermission was initiated with the scored tied for the seventh time, 33 – 33, with one of two made free throws by Mines.
At the start of the second half, the Trojans made back to back three point plays to lead 39 – 33. The Bears’ first made basket of the half was directed into the hoop by Graham. Shaw stampeded to tie the game yet again, 44 – 44, with a made three-pointer by Douros. The Trojans got a quick two from freshman guard #24 Christopher Washington, but Kornegay responded with a lay-up. Shortly thereafter, Gaither converted on a three point play to put the Bears in the forefront, 51 – 50, with nine minutes remaining. However, VSU charged ahead for a five point lead, 56 – 51, with a three-pointer from senior guard #12 Jamar Fleming and then Torres. The Trojans kept their offensive stream flowing as they marched to a double digit lead. Head Coach Robert Brickey called for a full timeout at the 3:55 mark as VSU led 65 – 54. Shaw inched their way back into the fold with a three-pointer and fast break lay-up by Kornegay. The Bears were within six, 69 – 63, with back to back baskets by Graham. The Bears were unable to complete their comeback as time ticked away too quickly and the Trojans converted on multiple free throws in closing seconds.
Leading the Bears in scoring was #1 Will Graham with a game high 24 points (four rebounds / three assists / four steals). Providing additional scoring was #11 John Douros with 14 points (one assist), #00 Cori Gaither with 11 points (five rebounds / three assists), and #34 John Kornegay with 10 points (four rebounds / one assist / two steals). King of the Boards was #20 Robert Espinosa (Forward / 6 – 7 / 195 / Senior / Plainfield, NJ) with one offensive rebound and a game high 11 defensive rebounds for a game high 12 rebounds.
The Shaw University Bears will prepare to play in the 63rd Annual CIAA Men’s Basketball Tournament held in Charlotte, NC starting on February 27th through March 1st.
