Joseph’s Double-Double, Late Perimeter Shooting Lift Voorhees Past Carolina, 73-66

DENMARK, S.C. — Voorhees University used a fast start and a series of timely plays in the second half to hold off Carolina (N.C.) 73-66 in women’s basketball action Wednesday evening.

The Tigers led throughout, but the decisive stretch came in the fourth quarter after Carolina had trimmed the margin to a single possession several times. With Voorhees up 63-61, Shykiera Brown knocked down a 3-pointer with 3:49 remaining to push the lead to five. In the final 20 seconds, Nedisha Ford calmly sank two free throws to make it a nine-point game at 73-64, giving the Tigers enough cushion to withstand a late Carolina layup and close out the win.

Forward Sommer Joseph powered Voorhees with a dominant double-double, finishing with 19 points and 16 rebounds to go with a block and an assist. Ford added 17 points, and Brown flirted with a triple-double, posting 13 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Tigers’ offense flowed through multiple options. As a team, Voorhees shot 43.3% from the field (29-of-67) and an efficient 52.6% from 3-point range (10-of-19), production that proved critical as Carolina made repeated pushes to get back in the game.

Voorhees seized control early, building a 23-12 lead after the first quarter. Joseph capped the opening frame with a layup in the closing seconds to give the Tigers an 11-point advantage and set the tone inside. Carolina responded in the second quarter behind improved perimeter shooting and trimmed the deficit to 36-33 by halftime, but Joseph again delivered late, drilling a 3-pointer at the buzzer to keep Voorhees in front at the break.

Carolina briefly grabbed momentum early in the third quarter when Mya Smith scored on a layup with 7:44 remaining to give the visitors a 39-36 lead, their first advantage of the night. The Tigers answered with a steady stretch of execution on both ends and reclaimed control. Late in the quarter, Ameerah Evans connected on a 3-pointer with 29 seconds left to push the Tigers ahead 52-48 going to the fourth, a basket that swung the energy back to the home side.

In the final quarter, Carolina stayed within striking distance, pulling within five multiple times, but Voorhees’ shot-making from the perimeter and presence on the glass proved to be the difference. The Tigers finished with a 41-37 edge on the boards, keyed by Joseph and Brown, and assisted on 17 of their 29 field goals, highlighting a balanced offensive approach even while committing 15 turnovers. Defensively, Voorhees limited Carolina to 34.3% shooting (23-of-67) overall, offsetting the visitors’ 8-of-21 (38.1%) performance from beyond the arc.

Carolina was led by Angelina Jordan, who scored 18 points, including four 3-pointers, and added six rebounds and two steals. Dearia Page and Jakyiiah Willis each chipped in 17 points, with Page contributing five rebounds and three assists. Their efforts helped Carolina stay close, but Voorhees’ early first-quarter surge and late-game execution, highlighted by Brown’s clutch 3-pointer and Ford’s free throws, ultimately secured the Tigers’ home victory.