ETTRICK, Va.- The Trojans of Virginia State University, currently ranked No. 14 in the WBCA/USA Division II Top 25 Poll defeated crosstown rival Virginia Union University Lady Panthers in overtime 84-79 on Saturday.

This is VSU's 9^th straight win as they improved to 5-0 in the Northern Division, 10-1 in the CIAA Conference and 19-1 overall. The game was highlighted by 6 ties and 7 lead changes.  VUU (3-9, 2-4 and 6-13 overall) led the Trojans early in the game scoring 4 unanswered points before Junior Pryncess Tate-Dublin (Suitland, MD) scored off a steal by Senior Lamesha Deal (Norfolk, VA).

The Trojans trailed at the half 30-37; however their stifling second half defense prevailed. Their infamous full court press netted the Trojans uncontested baskets at critical times in the second half. The Trojans quick passes and balanced scoring from Deal, Tate-Dublin, and Junior Tiffanie Adair (Spartanburg, SC), each finished in double figures, kept the Lady Panthers off balance. Deal scored 17 points in the second half to lead all scores for the Trojans with 23 points. Both Deal and Adair collectively pulled down 18 rebounds.

A 3-point basket with no time left on the clock by Junior guard Jessica Lyons (Upper Marlboro, MD) sent the game into overtime where the Trojans went on to clinch the victory. The win gave the Trojans a regular season sweep against the Lady Panthers.

Coach James Hill emphasizes to his team the need to play solid team defense the entire game. The Lady Panthers leading scorer, Ashle Freeman (Richmond, VA) finished the game with 27 points to lead all scorers.

The Trojans are averaging 74 points per game while holding their opponents to 54.1 points per game.

The Trojans will play host to Chowan University in the annual "Play 4Kay/Think Pink" game on Wednesday, February 12; tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Daniel Gymnasium.