Campbell Uses Dominant Second Quarter to Defeat Grambling
CHICAGO (Interstat) — In a neutral-site contest defined by a staggering defensive stand, the Campbell women’s basketball team seized control with a historic second-quarter performance to defeat Grambling on Saturday.
The game, part of the 2025-26 DePaul MTE at a neutral court in Chicago, saw the Fightin’ Camels outscore the Lady Tigers 20-2 in the second period. That 10-minute stretch transformed a tightly contested game into a commanding lead that Campbell would not relinquish, ultimately securing a 67-51 victory.
The first quarter offered little indication of the defensive clinic to come, as both teams traded baskets and ended the period with Campbell holding a narrow 17-19 lead. The offensive flow, however, came to an abrupt halt for Grambling in the second quarter. The Lady Tigers managed just a single pair of free throws from Zaria Johnson in the period, suffering through a scoring drought of over nine minutes from the field.
Campbell’s defense was the catalyst, forcing a series of Grambling turnovers and contested shots. The Fightin’ Camels capitalized on the other end, methodically building their lead. Olivia Tucker and Gianni Boone provided crucial offensive sparks during the run, with Tucker hitting a three-pointer and Boone converting inside.
The teams played nearly even after halftime, with each scoring 11 points in the third quarter and 19 in the fourth, but the damage was already done. Campbell’s second-quarter explosion provided a cushion that proved insurmountable for a struggling Grambling offense.
Jasmine Nivar led the Fightin’ Camels with a strong all-around performance, contributing 13 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Gianni Boone was the game’s high scorer, pouring in 16 points off the bench. Ciara Alexander added 10 points and seven rebounds, providing a consistent interior presence.
For Grambling, Shaniah Nunn led the way with 11 points. Monica Marsh facilitated the offense with seven assists, but the team struggled with efficiency all afternoon.
The statistical sheet underscored the story of the game. Campbell’s defense held Grambling to just 28.3 percent shooting from the floor. While both teams committed a high number of turnovers, Campbell’s ability to generate easier shots was the difference; the Fightin’ Camels shot 49 percent from the field and outscored Grambling 38-20 in the paint.
The victory improves Campbell’s record to 4-3 on the young season, while Grambling falls to 1-6.
Campbell’s defensive dominance in the second quarter, holding an opponent to just two points in a period, stands as a remarkable feat and the definitive chapter in this neutral-court matchup. The Fightin’ Camels will look to carry this momentum into their next contest, while the Lady Tigers will aim to find more consistent offensive execution.