Lady Bears’ Tournament Run Ends in Hard-Fought Battle Against Lincoln
BALTIMORE, MD – Despite a strong showing from Kaylee Milburn and D’Ayzha Akinson, the Shaw University Lady Bears saw their CIAA Tournament journey come to an early end with a 54-49 loss to Lincoln (PA) in the opening round at CFG Bank Arena on Tuesday.
Milburn led the charge with a double-double, posting 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, while Akinson added 14 points and two steals. Elisha Quinn provided a spark off the bench with eight points.
The Lady Bears (10-18) dominated the glass, out-rebounding Lincoln (PA) 46-43, including 15 offensive boards that led to 15 second-chance points. Shaw’s defense also stepped up, holding the Lions to just 34.9% shooting from the field and an ice-cold 10% from beyond the arc.
How It Happened
Shaw started slow, trailing 8-4 after the first quarter, but found momentum in the second. Facing a 23-13 deficit, the Lady Bears went on a 7-0 run—capped by a Milburn basket—to cut the gap to 23-20 heading into halftime.
Lincoln (PA) extended its lead to 33-24 in the third before another Shaw surge, including a key basket from Akinson, brought the Lady Bears within four at 33-29. However, the Lions countered with a late push to take a 39-31 lead into the final frame.
Shaw fought until the end, closing within four points (45-41) after Akinson’s layup with 5:37 remaining. The Lady Bears had an opportunity to take the lead on a contested three-point attempt, but no foul was called. An intentional foul on the next possession gave Lincoln (PA) a chance to seal the game, as they outscored Shaw down the stretch to secure the 54-49 win.
Game Notes
- Kaylee Milburn recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
- Shaw held Lincoln (PA) to just 34.9% shooting from the field and 10% from three-point range.
- Milburn, Akinson, and Quinn accounted for 82% of the Lady Bears’ total scoring.
- Shaw forced 17 turnovers but couldn’t convert enough on the offensive end.
- The Lady Bears dominated the paint, scoring 14 of their 18 points inside.
Though Shaw’s season comes to a close, the Lady Bears showed grit and determination until the final buzzer.
For more coverage of Shaw University Athletics, visit ShawBears.com.
Photos: Shaw University Athletics