Lady Buccaneers Suffer Defeat at SUNO
New Orleans, Louisiana, January 31, 2025 – The University of the Virgin Islands Lady Buccaneers suffered defeat Thursday evening against Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) in an 88-56 game at the Castle in New Orleans, Louisiana. The team entered the game with high hopes but struggled to keep up with a strong performance by the Lady Knights.
By halftime, SUNO had already established a significant lead of 50-31. UVI made several attempts to narrow the gap, but SUNO maintained its dominance throughout the game, ultimately securing a 36-point lead in the fourth quarter and cruising to victory. The relentless pressure from the Lady Knights resulted in a series of turnovers by the Lady Buccaneers, further tilting the game in favor of the home team.
Notable performances for the Lady Buccaneers came from senior guard Maliah LaCour and junior forward Lameez Khan, who each scored 13 points, while senior forward Kashay Bass added 10 points. LaCour showcased an impressive all-around effort by also contributing seven rebounds and dishing out three assists. Despite the challenging game, the team displayed glimpses of potential that could be capitalized on in future matchups.
After the game, head coach Stephanie Cooper reflected on the team's performance, acknowledging the tough competition presented by SUNO's tenacious defense. She praised LaCour for her impactful contributions and energy on the court, emphasizing the need for additional key players to step up to achieve the desired results.
The Lady Buccaneers will return to action on February 1 and 2 as they continue their New Orleans road trip visiting Dillard University for back-to-back games. The upcoming matchups will be UVI's last two road games before returning home to close out the season with three consecutive home games against Philander Smith University, Tougaloo College, and Wiley University, respectively.
