Box Score

By: Reshawn Garnett, VSU Sports Information Intern

An explosive second half lifted the Trojans over Lincoln University 65-45 closing out their regular season. Da'Shae Jones led VSU with 12 points and seven assists while Lamesha Deal had 10 points and eight rebounds.

The Trojans improve to 6-10 in CIAA play and 13-13 overall after winning Saturday's contest at Lincoln University. VSU entered the game part of a two-way tie for third place with Lincoln. The Trojans previously defeated Lincoln earlier this season, 72-52 in Daniel Gymnasium. The Trojans clinch the third seed in CIAA Northern Division with this win.  

The Trojans played passionate defense early, opening a 9-4 lead by the 16:18 mark. Foul trouble allowed Lincoln to stay close in the opening minutes of the game. Lincoln cut the Trojans lead down to one by nailing some much needed early free-throw attempts,(9-8) with 15:35 on the clock.

VSU's Asyja Smith scored on a layup from a pass by Kiara Walton that gave the Trojans more breathing room. The Trojans shot with confidence early in the opening half, making 60% of their shots. VSU led 18-9 at the half way mark thanks to a three-pointer from Jasmine Stewart. Ashley Whitaker tacked on two more points giving VSU a 20-11 lead. The Trojans held onto the lead for the remainder of the first half. VSU led by a slim 26-24 margin after a late 7-2 run from Lincoln. The Lady Lions were held to under 30% from the floor before a scoring explosion late in the first half. Lamesha Deal, the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, led her team in scoring at the end of one half with six points. Da'Shae Jones and Yashica Blakney both scored four points in the first half.

Yashica Blakney opened up the second half with two three-pointers keeping the Trojans ahead 32-26. Aysja Smith knocked down another trey of her own giving VSU another nine point lead 35-26. The Trojans had multiple nine point leads in the first half but could never push the lead into double-digits. Da'Shae Jones gave VSU their first double-digit lead of the game (38-28) with a jumper from the perimeter. VSU led 50-30 at the ten minute mark with three Trojans already in double figures.

VSU never trailed as they dominated the second half of play. The Trojans wrap up their 2012-13 season with a 65-45 win over the Lady Lions.  Four Trojans netted double figures. Yashica Blakney had a team-high 13 points. She was hot in second half from three-point land. Da'Shae Jones was on her heels with 12 points. Jones tacked on seven assists to complement her scoring performance. Both Lamesha Deal and Aysja Smith finished with ten points apiece. VSU shot 51%from the floor and 47% from the perimeter at the end of regulation.