Bethune-Cookman Wildcats women’s basketball team was unable to overcome an early deficit, losing 52-46 to the Jackson State Tigers at Moore Gymnasium on Saturday. The Wildcats’ record fell to 3-17 overall and 1-6 in conference play, while the Tigers improved to 5-14 (3-4).
Jackson State took control in the first quarter, holding Bethune-Cookman to just one field goal during an 18-2 run. The Tigers were effective on offensive rebounds, which led to more shot opportunities and a commanding 18-5 lead after the opening period.
In the second quarter, Bethune-Cookman limited Jackson State’s scoring but struggled offensively themselves, shooting only 26.7% from the field. Madison Holden scored eight of the Wildcats’ 15 points in the half. Jada Patton led Jackson State with 11 points at halftime.
The third quarter saw Bethune-Cookman improve its shooting percentage to 53.8%, cutting into Jackson State’s lead. Holden continued her strong performance by adding another 11 points for a total of 20 through three quarters. A late run by the Wildcats narrowed their deficit to five entering the final period.
Early in the fourth quarter, Bethune-Cookman closed within one possession of tying but could not overtake Jackson State. Kailyn Peters made a layup with just over five minutes remaining to bring B-CU within two points; however, both teams struggled offensively down the stretch and Jackson State held on for victory.
Holden finished as Bethune-Cookman’s leading scorer with a season-high 20 points. Sanai Tyler recorded a season-best 13 rebounds for B-CU. For Jackson State, Rhema Pegues and Jaileyah Cotton each scored ten points, while Angel Wilkinson had five steals.
Both teams committed twenty turnovers apiece in what was a defensive contest throughout.
Bethune-Cookman will next travel to Alabama for games against Alabama A&M and Alabama State starting Thursday at 7 p.m.
Follow Bethune-Cookman Women’s Basketball on X/Twitter (@BCUWBB) and Instagram (@BCU_WBB) for updates about upcoming games and news regarding Bethune-Cookman Athletics.
