Inaugural Women’s Basketball Team Headed to National Championship Game

SOUTH PRINCE GEORGE, VA – The Richard Bland College Women's Basketball team moves to 29-2 overall after pulling off the second upset in two days. The Statesmen upset the #5 seed, Harcum College in an overtime semifinal round battle in the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Tournament, held in Port Huron, Michigan.

The Statesmen pulled out to an early 18-15 lead through the first 10 minutes of play. Harcum came out strong outscoring the Statesmen by eight to take a five point, 34-29 lead into the break. The Statesmen were on a mission and outscored the Bears by 10 in the third but the Bears would bounce back to even the score at 64 at the final buzzer of regulation on a three point play. Richard Bland controlled the pace through the beginning of overtime and would come out victorious, 79-76 to earn a spot in the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

Richard Bland saw big days from Courtney Scott and Janiah Jones. Scott led the way for the Statesmen offense with 25 points. She also had five blocks, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Jones had 24 points, five rebounds, and one steal. Auzhane Allard added 13 points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Jasmine Norman chipped in with nine points, eight rebounds, two steals, and one assist. Amira Roy was credited with four points and two rebounds, while Lauryn Bell and Natayvia Lipscomb had two each. Chamara Martin added seven rebounds and three assists in the win.

Richard Bland went 91.3% from the charity stripe, 38.2% from the field, and 28.6% from the perimeter.

The Richard Bland College women's basketball team next prepares for the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Tournament Championship, which take place tomorrow evening at 7:30pm. The Statesmen will take on #2 seed, CCBC Essex of Baltimore, Maryland.