The Women’s Paradise Jam Tournament continued Friday at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas, with Georgia, Virginia Commonwealth, Northern Arizona and Kansas picking up wins.
Game 1: Georgia vs. Wisconsin
After a hot start early, things quickly went south for Georgia. Leading by five after the first quarter, Wisconsin showed no signs of slowing down. Wisconsin’s lead was up to double digits by halftime as Georgia trailed 33 to 23. The Badgers came out swinging again in the third quarter, extending their lead to over 20 points at one point. The Lady Bulldogs trailed by 12 going into the fourth quarter, but they never gave up. Georgia’s impressive fourth-quarter effort led the Bulldogs to tie the game with just over six minutes left. With the momentum ultimately shifting to Georgia, they kept pushing and extended their lead to eight by the end of the game. The 26-0 run led Georgia to their biggest comeback in school history.
Final score: 68-60 UGA
Game leaders:
Georgia: Diamond Battles – 24 PTS, 4 STL, 5-9 3PT
Wisconsin: Avery Labarbera – 13 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST
Game 2: Seton Hall vs. VCU
For the first quarter, the game was back and forth as Seton Hall led by just three after one. However, VCU dominated the second quarter, outscoring Seton Hall 21 to nine. With a nine-point lead at halftime, VCU was comfortable after two quarters. Seton Hall won the third quarter by just one point, keeping the game within eight heading into the fourth quarter. A solid late fourth-quarter push gave the Pirates the lead with just over 30 seconds left. With the shot clock winding down, VCU hit a game-winning shot with 3.7 seconds remaining.
Final score: 61-60 VCU
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Game 3: Arkansas vs. NAU
After a back-and-forth first quarter, Arkansas led NAU 20 to 18 heading into the second quarter. NAU started the second quarter off hot, taking the lead over Arkansas. However, the Razorbacks were on fire toward the end of the second quarter, extending their lead to nine points by halftime. Once Arkansas got hot, they never looked back, dominating the second half and holding on to their nine-point lead. A late fourth-quarter effort by NAU wasn’t enough to overcome their deficit.
Final score: 82-73 Arkansas
Game leaders:
Arkansas: Samara Spencer – 27 PTS, 4 REB, 4 STL
NAU: Nyah Moran – 18 PTS, 3 STL
Game 4: #25 Kansas State vs. Clemson
After a slow start in the first quarter, Kansas State found its rhythm, leading Clemson 18-11 heading into the second quarter. Things quickly shifted for Kansas State as Clemson started the second quarter scorching hot, leading the Wildcats by five at one point. However, Kansas State got back on track, leading the Tigers by three heading into halftime. The Kansas State Wildcats completely dominated the third quarter. After exchanging buckets to start the second half, the Wildcats went on a 23 to zero run, extending their lead to 26. Clemson would ultimately be outscored 30 to four n the third quarter, trailing 62-33. The fourth quarter was nothing different as Kansas State dominated once again. Their largest lead of the night was the final score as they beat the Clemson Tigers by 38 points.
Final Score: 76-38 KSU
Game Leaders:
Kansas State: Gabby Gregory – 22 PTS, 4 REB
Clemson: Ruby Whitehorn – 8 PTS, 5 REB
