The Dillard Women’s Basketball Team Sees Season End In Semifinals of the GCAC Tournament With 63-51 Loss to Philander Smith

Little Rock, Arkansas – The Dillard women's basketball team (10-16) led for the first three quarters, but saw top seed and host school Philander Smith (24-5) rally in the fourth for a 63-51 victory on Saturday, Feb. 26, at Mims Gymnasium in Little Rock, Arkansas. The loss ended the season for DU.

Diniaa McZeal led the team with her 14 points. Ayani Cockrell totaled seven points and six rebounds. Jordyn Rowe picked up seven points and two steals. Sydni John – Baptiste had six points and four rebounds. Tia Perry had five points, four assists and two steals. Rayah Haynes had two points, two rebounds, two assists and a steal. Cassidy Lowe had two points and five rebounds. Ajayah Simpson totaled four points. Alexis Gie had two points, three rebounds and a steal.

Philander Smith was led by 15 points from Rakia Lane. Lane also had six rebounds and four steals. Dasia Turner had a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds plus four steals. De'Vena Smith had 13 points. Larena Walker had a game-high five assists.

For the game, Dillard shot 16-for-48 from the field (33.3 percent), 5-for-15 from three-point range (33.3 percent), 14-for-20 from the line (70 percent). The program also had 42 rebounds, 11 assists, 11 steals and three blocks.

The Lady Panthers were 19-for-67 from the field (28.4 percent), 3-for-18 from three-point range (16.7 percent) and 22-for-39 from the line (56.5 percent). PSC also had 48 rebounds, 16 assists, 14 steals and a block.

Dillard took control of the game in the first quarter with a 19-15 lead. The team continued to lead at the break with a 33-27 lead. In the third quarter the tide began to turn as PSC outscored Dillard 12-9. The Lady Panthers took the lead for good in the fourth where they outscored 24-9 on their way to the 63-51 victory.

This was the final collegiate game in the careers of seniors Rayah Haynes, JaQuanna Hunter and Sharan Turner.

Keep up with all the latest news and information on the Bleu Devils by following Dillard Athletics on Twitter at @GeauxDU, Facebook at Facebook.com/dillardbleudevils/ and Instagram at Instagram.com/dillardbleudevils/