This season in Women’s Basketball, the CIAA has seen a nearly unstoppable force in Livingstone College, who has been far and away better than all of their opponents. Livingstone, however, is not the only team to look out for in the tournament. Lincoln University has been very competitive taking control of the Northern Division and Shaw hasn’t been far behind.
Shaw University (19-10, 11-5 CIAA) has relied on a defense to carry them near the top of the CIAA. In 16 conference games this season, the Lady Bears were able to hold their opponents to 33% from the field, 3 percentage points less than the season average against non conference opponents, while keeping their opponents below 27% beyond the arc. They have also been able to dominate the boards with a plus six rebound margin over opponents.
When playing against Livingstone, Shaw’s defense was not able to overcome the Blue Bear’s team efforts and they lost both games. In total play versus Livingstone, Shaw was outscored by at least 5 points in all but one.
The Lions of Lincoln University have compiled an impressive season going 20-7 overall (12-5 CIAA). Owning a scoring margin of plus six points per game and a plus 3 rebound margin. Lincoln has won many of their games against over-matched opponents through playing team oriented basketball averaging slightly over 13 assist per game.
In the one game played against Livingstone the Lions held their own for a majority of the game, scumming to the Blue Bears’ offensive prowess. The game came down to the free throw line where Lincoln went 8-24 while Livingstone was able to get to the charity stripe almost twice as much. They were 26-41 from the line.
LIVINGSTONE IS THE FULL PACKAGE, EXPECT THEM TO WIN THE WOMAN’S CIAA CROWN. LIVINGSTONE HAS BEEN A DOMINANT FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH AND SHOULD DEFEAT ALL OF THEIR CHALLENGERS.
Livingstone has been dominant all season posting a 25-1 record, 15-1 in CIAA play. Overcoming adversity in losing arguably their best player, Livingstone only had a hiccup against Johnson C. Smith, who they beat in the tournament already.
Boasting of the top offense in the CIAA, their defense leads an average margin of victory of 14 points. The Blue Bears also lead the conference in steals with almost 13 per game.
