Box Score

By: Reshawn Garnett, VSU Sports Information Intern

Four Trojans hit double-figure scoring led by Lamesha Deal's game-high 22 points with eight rebounds, as Virginia State University's women's basketball team slaughtered the Lady Bulldogs on Senior Night 80-42.
 
 Aggressive defense with great shot selection allowed the Trojans to open up a 6-3 lead in the opening minutes of the game. VSU held the Lady Bulldogs to 23% shooting from the field while free-throws paced the Trojans midway through the first half of play after an aggressive start. VSU knocked down 63% of their free-throws. A couple of Trojan turnovers ignited Bowie State for a comeback. The Lady Bulldogs cut the Trojans lead to 12-11 by the 6:11 mark.
 
VSU's Yashica Blakney temporarily stopped the bleeding with a three-pointer. A three-point play from Alexandria Massado finally tied the game for the Trojans with 2:49 left in the first half. Massado led the Trojans in scoring with eight points after the first half of play. VSU's Ashley Whitaker scored two consecutive buckets, giving the Trojans a 24-20, advantage on the following two possessions. Da'Shae Jones followed up with a timely score in transition as VSU hopped back on top 26-20 with under minute left in the first half. The Trojans would head into the locker room with the lead and the momentum. The Trojans led 28-21 by the break. The Trojans ended the first half with an 18-10 advantage on the boards. VSU's leading rebounder, Lamesha Deal had with five rebounds in the half. Deal leads the CIAA averaging 9.2rebounds.
 
Da'Shae Jones threw a spectacular pass to Lamesha Deal for a bucket expanding the Trojans advantage to 30-21. The Trojans were red hot early in the final half of play eventually opening up a 40-23 gap. The Trojans never trailed in the second half claiming a much needed 80-42 win over the Lady Bulldogs. The Trojans shooting improved tremendously in the second half of play. Virginia State shot 61% from the field in the final half and dominated the paint. The Trojans held a 32-14 advantage inside the paint and a 34-22 lead in rebounding. Lamesha Deal had a game-high 22 points and eight rebounds. Alexandria Massado followed with 15 points and eight rebounds and Da'Shae Jones added 14 points with six assists. Ashley Whitaker finished with ten points, leading the bench. 
 
Seniors Yashica Blakney, Asyja Smith, Kiara Walton, Jasmine Stewart, Brianna Holt and Ashley Whitaker were all recognized after the game for their contribution to the Trojans basketball team.