Coming of an impressive 25 point win over the defending USCAA Division II National Champions on the road, added to a home game versus an opponent with a record of 1-15; an offensive let down may have been inevitable for the women's basketball team when they hosted the Wilberforce University Bulldogs on Saturday.
BC came out of the gates hot jumping out to an 8-2 lead in the game's opening moments. Berea used a full-court press and terrific low post defense by freshman center Alexus Calhoun, who recorded five blocks in the first half (nine in the game) . Wilberforce used their size and depth to battle back, and chip away at the Berea advantage, eventually taking the lead 33-32 at intermission.
The second half was a back and forth affair and the game could have truly gotten away from the Blue Crew, but Johnesha Warren took over. Playing every minute of the half, the senior was clutch down the stretch. Beyond her team high 13 second-half points, on 4 of 5 shooting, it was Warren's ball handling, pass distribution and clock management that truly made the difference and moved the Mountaineers from a one point deficit to a 16 point advantage when she dribbled out the game's final seconds.
Warren led all scorers with 21 points. Alexus Calhoun just missed a triple double scoring 17, pulling down nine rebounds and blocking nine shots. Anna Loveless tossed in 14 points, while Adriana Williams added 10 as the other Mountaineers to reach double figures.
The ladies will next be in action when they travel down to Columbia to take on Lindsey Wilson on Monday, January 12 at 7:00 pm. Their next home game is January 21, when they host the University of the Cumberlands at 6:00 pm.