Rock Hill, March 12, 2025
Carolina University put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short in the final game of their season-ending tournament, losing to Clinton College 67-53. This came on the heels of a thrilling 61-55 win over VUL-Lynchburg the night before. Despite the disappointing finish, the tournament showcased Carolina's grit and determination on both sides of the ball.
Game 1 Recap: Carolina vs. VUL-Lynchburg
In their first game, Carolina faced VUL-Lynchburg in a back-and-forth contest that tested their resilience. The game stayed tight until the final quarter, where Carolina pulled away with strong defensive efforts and clutch shooting to secure a 61-55 victory.
Felesia Ondongo led the way with 18 points, knocking down two three-pointers and going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Nadia McDowell-Jackson also contributed heavily, draining three shots from beyond the arc and finishing with 13 points.
Le'Asia Matthews added 12 points, while
Keyani Jackson contributed 8 points and 4 rebounds.
Key Players:
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Felesia Ondongo – 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6-for-6 free throws
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Nadia McDowell-Jackson – 13 points, 3 steals, 3-for-7 from three
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Le'Asia Matthews – 12 points, 2 steals, 2 three-pointers
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Keyani Jackson – 8 points, 4 rebounds
Game 2 Recap: Carolina vs. Clinton College
The championship game against Clinton College proved to be an uphill battle. After a strong start, Carolina trailed Clinton by only 3 points at halftime, but Clinton's defense and relentless offense in the second half widened the gap. Despite Carolina's efforts, they couldn't keep pace, falling 67-53 in the final game of the season.
Felesia Ondongo,
Keyani Jackson, and
Le'Asia Matthews each scored 14 points in the loss, showing their ability to contribute offensively. Ondongo was sharp from beyond the arc, hitting three three-pointers. Jackson provided consistent offense, shooting 6-for-10 from the field, and Matthews grabbed 5 rebounds to complement her scoring.
Key Players:
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Felesia Ondongo – 14 points, 3 three-pointers, 5 steals
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Keyani Jackson – 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals
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Le'Asia Matthews – 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals
Up Next:
Although the Bruin's season has ended, the team can hold their heads high after a season filled with hard-fought games and standout performances. They'll look to build on this foundation next season. Thank you to the seniors for their sacrifices and leadership on this team.