PETERSBURG, Va. - The Virginia State University women's basketball team defeated the Winston-Salem State Lady Rams, 72-62, in their first conference home game for the 2013-2014 season. The Trojans were determined to redeem themselves after the loss against the Shaw Bears on January 6.

In the first half of the "Orange Crush" game, the Trojans did not get on the board until three minutes into the game. The Trojans trailed the Lady Rams for the first six minutes of play, until they decided to take charge in their house. Alexandria Massado broke the ice by scoring back to back with a free throw and jumper for the Trojans. Virginia State tightened up their defense as they stole the ball twice from Winston-Salem in less than a minute and took advantage of their defensive rebounds. The half ended with the Trojans in a substantial lead of 43-29.

At the top of the second half, Daniel Gymnasium was filled with roaring Trojan fans as the team continued to dominate their home court. Massado gave the Trojans their first points of the second half with a good two point basket and a free throw shot. Virginia State only scored 15 points in 15 minutes giving the Rams a chance to secure four consecutive three pointers and a few free throw shots to tie the game 60-60 with 4:47 left in the game. The crowd jumped to their feet to cheer on the home team. Pryness Tate-Dublin broke the tie to start the Trojans off with a two point lead. The Lady Rams excessive fouling gave the Trojans 10 good free throw shots and the "Orange Crush" win. The Trojans currently have and 11-1 overall record.

Alexandria Massado, Shakirah Gray, Lamesha Deal, and Cana Marriott scored in the double digits for the Trojans. Massado secured 16 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal while Gray collected 13 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal. Deal scored 11 points and six rebounds while teammate Marriott recorded 10 points, six assists and one rebound.

The VSU women's basketball team will stay at home to take on the Livingstone Blue Bear on Saturday, January 11 at 3:00pm in Daniel Gymnasium.