Final Stats

VIENNA, WV – The Livingstone women's basketball team rebounded from its season-opening loss in a big way Saturday, downing the Bluefield State Blues 78-59 in the CIAA/WVIAC Challenge hosted by Ohio Valley University.

Junior forward Jasmine Murray recorded a double-double, scoring career-highs in both points and rebounds with 26 points and 13 boards in the victory.  Sophomore guard Kelcyn Manurs had her second-straight double-digit scoring game as she scored 20 points while sophomore guard Tiffany Evans added 11 points.

Livingstone grabbed the early lead over the Blues, taking a five-point edge less than five minutes into the contest.  The Blue Bears extended their lead to eight points with 12:29 on the clock, but Bluefield State battled back to get within one at 17-16 with 6:49 left before the break.

The Blue Bears weathered the charge from Bluefield and went on a 13-4 run to take a 30-20 lead with 3:24 remaining in the first half.  Livingstone couldn't continue the run as the Blues turned the momentum around and closed the first half on an 8-0 run, to go into the break trailing 30-28.

Bluefield State continued its momentum into the second half, going on a 6-0 run to open the half and take a four-point edge less than two minutes in.  The Blues continued to lead by two with 14:34 left, but Livingstone went on an 8-0 run to take a 46-40 lead and never looked back.  Livingstone slowly built its lead to double digits, never allowing Bluefield a chance to make a run before winning by 19 at 78-59.

The Blue Bears had a solid night from the floor, hitting 41.1 percent of their shots from the field including 46.2 percent from long range.  Livingstone struggled at the charity stripe, converting only 12 of 25 attempts.  The Blue Bears won the battle on the boards 48-38, but turned the ball over 25 times.

Livingstone will return to the court on Wednesday, when it hosts its home opener against the Belmont Abbey Crusaders at 5:30 p.m. inside New Trent Gym.