The Johnson C. Smith University women’s basketball team defeated Shaw University Wednesday to advance to the semifinals of the 2009 CIAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.

The JCSU women earned their 18th victory this season with Wednesday’s 74-66 win over the Lady Bears, despite losing to Shaw twice earlier this year.

The Lady Golden Bulls were aggressive, beating Shaw in rebounding 51-38 and outscoring them 38-26 inside the paint. Both teams shot below 40 percent. The JCSU women converted 24 of 30 free throw attempts.

“We are really excited to be moving forward, and we understand that it doesn’t get easier from here,” said JCSU head coach Vanessa Taylor.

Shaw had eliminated the Lady Golden Bulls from the CIAA Tournament the past three years, including last season in the championship game.

Junior forward Sheria Hatcher had a break-out performance in her first CIAA Tournament. She produced a double-double of 23 points and 13 rebounds (both game highs).

“We knew we had to come out and play hard to get the win, and that’s what we did,” she said when asked about the key to victory.

All-CIAA junior guard Wendy Stywalt, a Charlotte native, had 15 points, five rebounds and two assists in her CIAA Tournament debut. All-CIAA junior forward Demetria Bell added 3 points and 12 boards, her sixth double-double in the last seven games.

JCSU advances to play the winner of Fayetteville State and St. Augustine’s in the semi-finals on Friday. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. in Time Warner Cable Arena.

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