The University of the Virgin Islands men’s basketball team suffered its second consecutive defeat, falling to Oakwood University 85-75 in a neutral-site matchup at Albert A. Dent Hall on the campus of Dillard University.
UVI started strong, quickly establishing a 14-4 lead. Graduate forward Brandon Rasmussen extended the Buccaneers’ advantage to 13 points with a layup at the 5:38 mark, making it 32-19, their largest lead of the game. However, Oakwood responded with a 15-7 run to close the first half, reducing the deficit to just five points as the teams headed into the locker rooms.
The second half began with an intense battle as the Buccaneers attempted to fend off the surging Ambassadors. With 12:40 remaining, Oakwood took its first lead of the night at 53-52. The teams exchanged baskets over the next several possessions, with neither side able to gain a decisive edge. The momentum shifted in favor of the Ambassadors following a series of empty possessions by the Buccaneers, which Oakwood capitalized on to score. Unable to erase the deficit, the Buccaneers ultimately fell 85-75.
Senior guard Khari Person delivered an impressive performance, scoring 22 points in his first 20-point game of the season against his former team. Person, in his first season with the Buccaneers after three years at Oakwood, also contributed eight rebounds, six steals, and five assists.
Junior forward Sebastian Dokum achieved season highs with 19 points and 12 rebounds, marking his first double-double of the season.
