Box Score ELIZABETH CITY, NC — Cheyney University women's basketball delivered a strong opening quarter and a determined fourth-quarter effort Saturday afternoon before falling 67-56 to Elizabeth City State University at the R.L. Vaughan Center. Behind an impressive performance from Taniyah Finney, the Wolves demonstrated offensive efficiency and defensive intensity while continuing their early-season development under head coach Cassandra Taylor.
Cheyney established its presence early, opening the contest with an aggressive offensive approach and building a nine-point advantage late in the first quarter. The Wolves shot 50 percent from the field during the opening period, using strong interior play and defensive pressure to take a 15-9 lead into the second quarter.
Elizabeth City State responded with a 22-point second quarter, taking advantage of Cheyney turnovers and connecting from beyond the arc to establish a 31-25 halftime lead. The Vikings extended their advantage during the third period, outscoring the Wolves 23-15 to enter the final quarter ahead 54-40.
Taniyah Finney led Cheyney with an outstanding all-around performance, recording a game-high 23 points, six rebounds, six steals, and two blocked shots. Finney shot 9-of-20 from the field, connected on two three-pointers, and converted all three of her free-throw attempts. Her defensive activity and offensive production were instrumental in keeping the Wolves competitive throughout the contest.
Eshe Knox provided an efficient offensive contribution, finishing with eight points and five rebounds while shooting 4-of-6 from the field. Mikiyah Mallett added five points and three rebounds, while Nariyah Turner contributed four points, five rebounds, and a blocked shot off the bench.
Despite trailing by 14 entering the fourth quarter, Cheyney continued to compete. The Wolves outscored Elizabeth City State 16-13 in the final period, shooting 50 percent from the field and tightening their defensive execution. A basket from Finney with 2:56 remaining brought Cheyney within 10 points at 63-53, but the Vikings maintained their advantage to secure the victory.
Cheyney finished the contest shooting 41.1 percent from the field, surpassing Elizabeth City State's 40 percent shooting performance. The Wolves also controlled the interior scoring battle, producing 38 points in the paint compared to 18 for the Vikings. Defensively, Cheyney recorded 11 steals, forced 24 turnovers, and generated 16 points from those opportunities.
Turnovers ultimately proved costly, as Elizabeth City State converted Cheyney's 30 turnovers into 29 points. The Vikings also held an advantage from beyond the arc, connecting on eight three-pointers compared to two for the Wolves.
Although the final result did not favor Cheyney, the team's performance demonstrated several encouraging areas of growth, particularly its offensive efficiency, interior scoring, and defensive activity. The Wolves' ability to establish an early lead and respond in the fourth quarter reflected their continued competitiveness against established collegiate programs.
