Basketball Recap: Azariah Brunson's Big Game Can't Quite Lead E.E. Smith over Seventy-First

E.E. Smith was not able to break out of their rough patch on Saturday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They opened the new year with a less-than-successful 58-47 loss to the Seventy-First Falcons. The Golden Bulls were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Falcons apparently hadn't forgotten their defeat the last time these teams played back in November of 2019.

E.E. Smith's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Azariah Brunson, who went 5 of 11 en route to 17 points along with six rebounds and three steals. Brunson has been hot for a while, having posted two or more steals the last nine times she's played. The team also got some help courtesy of Alonnie Baldwin - Muldrow, who posted 14 points and six boards.

Even though they lost, E.E. Smith smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 19 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least 11 offensive boards in three consecutive matches.

Seventy-First's victory was a true team effort, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Kariana Williams, who had 16 points in addition to five assists and three steals. What's more, Williams also racked up two blocks, the most she's had since back in January of 2024. Another player making a difference was Jewel Gully, who put up 15 points and eight rebounds.

E.E. Smith's defeat dropped their record down to 6-5. As for Seventy-First, the win (which was their fourth in a row) raised their record to 7-4.

E.E. Smith didn't take long to hit the court again: they've already played their next contest, a 51-32 victory against Western Harnett on the 7th. As for Seventy-First, they also wasted no time getting back out on the court and have already played their next game, a 56-26 win against Cape Fear on the 7th.