Box Score ETTRICK, Va. – The Virginia State University women's basketball team rounded out 2015 with a 79-42 victory against the Lady Tigers of Salem International University on December 19.

The win advances the Trojans to a 5-6 overall record, while the Lady Tigers fall to a 2-10 overall record.

VSU shot 58.3 percent (28-48) from the field, 50.0 percent (8-16) from behind the arc and 65.2 percent (15-23) from the free throw line.

Junior Nandi Taylor (Mt. Morris, MI) led VSU with 12 points followed by junior Philandra Jordan (Woodbridge, VA) with 11 points.  Rounding out the double-digit scoring for the Trojans was junior Joy Hickman (Wilmington DE) with 10 points. Sophomore Endia McKinney (Norfolk, VA) led the team, jumping up for 5 rebounds.  

There was no hesitation as the Trojans took charge of the game in the first and second quarter. Despite the Lady Tigers securing the first basket of the game, the Trojans quickly answered back and increased the scoring gap. A shot by Taylor from behind the arc at the buzzer gave VSU an 18-10 lead to end the first quarter. The second quarter was made up of several turnovers and substitutions for both teams. Maintaining their lead, the Trojans knocked down 3 consecutive three pointers by junior Kiyana Stokes (Raleigh, NC), sophomore Antavia Stevens (Roanoke, VA) and McKinney.  With an 18 point lead, VSU entered halftime with a score of 38-20. Senior Miesha Adams (Indian Head, MD) led the half with 8 points while Taylor was close behind with 7 points.

The third and fourth quarter undoubtedly belonged to the Trojans. Jordan started the third quarter off with a shot from behind the arc to give VSU a 21 point lead. Jordan soon followed through and gave the Trojan an additional two 3-pointers. VSU ended the third quarter with a 28 point lead. The Lady Tigers sent McKinney to the line at the beginning of the fourth quarter, giving her the opportunity to advance VSU to a 30 point led. The Trojans continued to power pass SIU for a final score of 79-42.

VSU secured their win by outscoring SIU in points off of turnovers, 2nd chance points, bench points, baskets in the paint and fast break points.

The Trojans will begin play in 2016 on Thursday, January 7 again the Winston-Salem State University Lady Rams for VSU's Faculty/ Staff Appreciation Day. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m. in Daniel Gymnasium.

The Virginia State Department of Athletics annual 1,000 cans, 1 goal campaign initiative is underway. The canned food items collected will be donated to the local food banks. The Department encourages all fans, alumni, faculty and friends to bring a canned food item to all of the home basketball games this season.

For more information on VSU Trojans women's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.