Press Release Written by Mitchell Coll
NEWARK, Del. - - The Wilmington University women's basketball team faced off against a tough Elizabeth City State team, currently ranked No. 9 in the Atlantic Region, and a big Viking fourth quarter carried the visitors to an 81-58 nonconference victory over the Wildcats on Saturday at the WU Athletics Complex.
The first quarter saw strong performances from junior guard Kiara Eubanks and freshman guard Jade Roberts. Transitioning from defense to offense was the name of the game for the Wildcats (1-6) early on. A defensive rebound by Sabreen Muslim in the opening minute set up Roberts for a transition lay-up. Roberts saw her name in the assist column as well, finding fellow freshman guard Daja Claiborne for a lay-in at 5:46. Nearing the end of the first quarter, offensive rebounds helped the Vikings (7-1) create second-chance opportunities allowing them to increase their first-quarter lead to nine, finishing at 20-11.
To start the second quarter, Sabreen Muslim answered the Vikings offensive rebound presence, with one of her own off of a shot attempt by Daja Claiborne, Muslim able to get the lay-up to fall in the first minute of the period. Freshman guard Amaja Mack displayed a veteran poise throughout the contest by controlling and distributing the rock. She was able to find Sabreen Muslim for a jump shot by the foul line at 7:02 in the period. Mack also set up Eubanks for her lone three-ball of the night at 2:53. At that point in the contest, Eubanks closed a double-digit deficit to seven. The Wildcats went into the half trailing by 10, with a score of 39 to 29.
The Vikings were able to capitalize on their full-court pressure on the defensive side in the third period. The Vikings forced the Wildcats into tough, contested jump shots leading to defensive rebounds and opening the period on a 12-2 run. The Wildcats clawed back from the Vikings' hot start. Starting with a made jump shot by Kiara Eubanks at 6:05, the Wildcats were able to outscore the Vikings in the last six minutes of the period, 10-2, thanks to more jump shots from Amaja Mack and Daja Claiborne. Also adding to that run was Jade Roberts and again Eubanks, both making layups.
The fourth quarter showed the effect of what strong team chemistry can have, with the Vikings' veteran lineup, which includes four senior starters. It was on display in the fourth quarter with fast, ball movement, leading to open threes. The Vikings shot 7-of-8 from three-point land in the quarter alone, proving to be the difference-maker. The Wildcats shot over 50 percent from the field at 8-for-15 in the final frame. Sabreen Muslim led the way for the 'Cats in the final quarter with eight points on 4-for-6 shooting.
Kiara Eubanks played all but one minute for the Wildcats Saturday night. She finished the game with 18 points, four boards, two assists, and a steal. Also joining her with 18 points was Sabreen Muslim as she also added five rebounds and two steals. The Wildcats had a strong showing from their freshmen core of Jade Roberts who connected on 4-of-8 shots, good for eight points, and Amaja Mack and Daja Claiborne who both finished with sox points.
The Wildcats finished their home matchups for the 2021 calendar year and will begin a three-game road trip on Tuesday which starts at Virginia State University. That game is set for Tuesday, December 14th at 5:30 pm.
