Lady Commodores dominate Miami Dade Stretch, rise to #4 in NJCAA DI Women’s Basketball Rankings
The Lady Commodores' basketball program dominated this weekend during their three game stretch at Miami Dade College, helping them secure 4th in nation during the recently released Week 2 NJCAA DI Women's Basketball rankings.
Vs. Demark Technical College:
The Lady Commodores opened their first game of the week with a strong start, taking an 11-1 lead just two minutes into play. From that point on, they kept their momentum and never slowed down. By halftime, the Lady Commodores were in full control with a 67-27 advantage over Denmark Tech. Arianny Francisco De Oliveira led the way in the first half with 13 points. Right behind her were Yasmine Allen with 12 points and Hannah Carr with 11 points. The team began the third quarter with a highlight play when sophomore guard Graca Barbosa passed to Mylan Benton for a three-pointer to start the second half. By the end of the game, three Lady Commodores earned double-doubles in the 126-48 victory over Denmark Technical College. Arianny Francisco De Oliveira finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Yasmine Allen scored 19 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Anjela Minja added 14 points and 11 rebounds, helping the team dominate inside.
Several other players had strong performances as well. Myla Benton scored 15 points and recorded 6 assists. Graca Barbosa posted 12 points and 8 assists. Phebean Olujobi scored a season-high 13 points. Hannah Carr added 15 points, and Kayla Hopson contributed 10 points along with 5 assists.
As a team, the Lady Commodores collected 11 steals and 68 rebounds. They also shot an impressive 80 percent from the free throw line and made 52.5 percent of their mid-range attempts.
Vs. #25 Monroe University:
The #5 Lady Commodores passed their first test of the season against a ranked opponent, defeating #25 Monroe University 98-89. At halftime, the Lady Commodores trailed the Lady Mustangs 53-44. Late in the third quarter, a key defensive play shifted the momentum. Hannah Carr knocked the ball away from the Mustang's guard, allowing Anjela Minja to grab the steal in the opponent's paint. Minja then rebounded a missed shot by Kayla Hopson and scored the put-back layup. Moments later, Carr fought for a loose ball at half court and found Hopson for a two-point basket, giving the Lady Commodores a 68-64 lead and the spark they needed to stay ahead for the rest of the game.
Arianny Francisco De Oliveira led the team with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Yasmine Allen added 16 points, while Myla Benton posted 24 points and 10 rebounds. Kayla Hopson (double-double) contributed 11 points and an impressive 12 assists, and Anjela Minja (double-double) finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
As a team, the Lady Commodores collected 48 rebounds while shooting 73.1 percent on their mid-range attempts and 50.0 percent from beyond the arc.
Vs. Miami Dade:
The #5 Lady Commodores closed out their week with a strong win, defeating Miami Dade 97-73. At halftime, the Lady Commodores led the Lady Sharks 55-31. Arianny Francisco De Oliveira scored 13 points in the first half, Kayla Hopson added 10 points, Graca Barbosa contributed 12 points, and Myla Benton had 11 points.
For the second time during their three-game stretch, Arianny Francisco De Oliveira finished with an impressive double-double, scoring 27 points and grabbing 12 rebounds against Miami Dade. Kayla Hopson added 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals. Myla Benton scored 15 points, and Graca Barbosa finished with 12 points and 6 assists. Hannah Carr contributed 12 points and 5 assists, while Anjela Minja grabbed 7 rebounds and recorded 2 steals.
The Lady Commodores had an outstanding team performance, shooting 76.5 percent from the field, collecting 54 rebounds, handing out 23 assists, and recording 11 steals.
This week's events
The team will host their home opener this weekend with the four-team Gulf Coast State Classic, taking place November 21-22.
Friday, November 21
3:30 pm Central Georgia Technical College vs. #4 Gulf Coast State
5:30 pm Mineral Area College vs. #5 Northwest Florida State College
Saturday, November 22
12:00 pm Central Georgia Technical College vs. #5 Northwest Florida State
2:00 pm Mineral Area College vs. #4 Gulf Coast State
Entry: $10 per person or $20 for a family
Free Entry to GC Employees/GC Students with valid GC ID.
Livestream: https://www.commodoreproductions.com/live/