ORANGEBURG, S.C. (Nov. 5, 2026) — South Carolina State women's basketball showcased several positive performances Thursday night, highlighted by a pair of double-digit scorers and a strong presence inside, but the Lady Bulldogs fell 76-57 to Bethune-Cookman in nonconference action at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.
Adena Webster and Chase Thomas led South Carolina State with 12 points apiece, while
Monajah Ford added eight points. Bethune-Cookman held the fourth-quarter edge, 24-19, although SC State posted its highest-scoring period of the night with 19 points.
South Carolina State (1-1) battled back from an early deficit, using a 10-0 scoring run to take a 14-13 lead on Ford's 3-pointer with 8:17 remaining in the second quarter.
The Lady Bulldogs regained a 16-15 advantage following two free throws by Thomas with 6:10 left before halftime. Bethune-Cookman responded with a scoring surge and carried a 30-23 lead into the break.
SC State continued to compete in the second half, scoring 15 points in the third quarter before producing its strongest offensive quarter with 19 points in the fourth. The Lady Bulldogs finished with 20 points from their reserves and 12 fast-break points.
Webster provided an all-around performance, shooting 4 of 9 from the field and adding four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocked shots. Thomas was effective at the free-throw line, converting all eight attempts while collecting four rebounds.
Samiah Puckett contributed six points and a team-high seven rebounds, including three offensive boards, while Kimora Smith provided an efficient seven points on 3-of-4 shooting in just over five minutes of action.
Bethune-Cookman (2-0) was led by Jarahle Daniels with a game-high 23 points, while Kayla Lee added 18. The Wildcats capitalized on 29 South Carolina State turnovers and finished with 26 points off those miscues.
The Lady Bulldogs shot 36.4% from the field, connecting on 20 of 55 attempts, while Bethune-Cookman finished at 38.7% (24 of 62).
SC State Game Highlights
- Adena Webster: Finished with a team-high-tying 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, two steals and two blocks in 35 minutes.
- Chase Thomas: Added 12 points, four rebounds and a steal while shooting a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.
- Monajah Ford: Recorded eight points, four rebounds, three assists and four steals while connecting on two 3-pointers.
- Kimora Smith: Provided seven points on 3-of-4 shooting in just 5:12 of action.
- Samiah Puckett: Led the Lady Bulldogs with seven rebounds and contributed six points, shooting 3 of 6 from the field.
- Ariana Simmons: Added four points, five rebounds and two steals.
- Inside Advantage: South Carolina State outscored Bethune-Cookman 32-24 in the paint.
- Defensive Effort: The Lady Bulldogs registered 12 steals and four blocked shots.
- Second-Quarter Rally: SC State used a 10-0 run to take a 14-13 lead early in the second period.
- Fourth-Quarter Production: The Lady Bulldogs scored a game-high 19 points in the final period.
- Bench Contributions: SC State received 20 points from its reserves.
By the Numbers
| Category |
SC State |
Bethune-Cookman |
| Final score |
57 |
76 |
| Field goal percentage |
36.4% |
38.7% |
| 3-point percentage |
33.3% |
26.7% |
| Free throws |
15-23 |
20-29 |
| Rebounds |
36 |
39 |
| Points in the paint |
32 |
24 |
| Steals |
12 |
14 |
| Blocked shots |
4 |
6 |
| Bench points |
20 |
39 |
| Fast-break points |
12 |
17 |
Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring
| Team |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
Final |
| Bethune-Cookman |
13 |
17 |
22 |
24 |
76 |
| SC State |
9 |
14 |
15 |
19 |
57 |
Records: South Carolina State (1-1); Bethune-Cookman (2-0).
Attendance: 210.
Location: Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center, Orangeburg, S.C.
Follow the Lady Bulldogs: For the latest South Carolina State women's basketball news, schedules and updates, visit
www.scsuathletics.com.
