Box Score ETTRICK, Va.- The Virginia State University women's basketball team ousted the Tigers of Salem International University for the Trojans home game debut on November 25. The Trojans rounded out day 1 of the VSU Trojans Thanksgiving Classic with a final score of 66-35.

The victory improved the Trojans to a 3-1 overall record, while SIU falls to a 0-6 season record.

Coming off of the bench to lead the Trojans in scoring was junior guard Mia Fitts (Richmond, VA), with 16 points. Senior guard Nandi Taylor (Mt. Morris, Mich.) rounded out the double digit scoring for VSU with 12 points. Senior forward Taylor Daniels (Hampton, VA) was consistent under the basket, securing 7 rebounds for the Trojans.

Collecting major buckets early in the first quarter, gave VSU momentum that would carry them through the game. Seconds before the first media timeout in the first quarter, the Trojans had already clinched a double digit lead over the SIU Tigers, 14-4. Despite the visitors attempt to close the scoring gap, the Trojans continued to land shot after shot to give VSU the 19-12 lead to end the quarter.

The second quarter moved slowly for both teams, as missed shots and turnovers dominated the scorebooks. The Trojans held strong to their lead going into half time with a score of 30-17.

The beginning of the third quarter mimicked the previous, as turnovers dominated the court. VSU maintained their strong lead as the time left in the third quarter ticked away. Head Coach James Hill, Jr. gave the Tigers a preview of the fourth quarter with the addition of Fitts on the court. With 1:59 left in the quarter, Fitts gave the Trojans 8 points to push them to a 22 point lead. VSU would enter the final quarter of the game with a score of 48-26.

The Trojans had no mercy for the SIU Tigers in the final quarter of regulation. Gaining 18 additional points over their opponents, VSU took a strong 66-35 win for their 2016-17 home court debut.

VSU ended the night shooting 36.9 percent (24-65) from the field, 34.4 percent (11-32) from behind the arc, and 87.5 percent (7-8) at the line, while the Tigers ended the night shooting 30.2 percent (13-43) from the field, 31.3 percent (5-16) from behind the arc, and 40 percent (4-10) at the line.

The Trojans will return to the court for Day 2 of the VSU Trojan Thanksgiving Classic on November 26. Following the 1pm matchup between Shaw University and Salem International University, VSU will tip-off against the Wildcats of Wilmington University at 3pm.

VSU is working hard to prepare for the 2017 CIAA Basketball Tournament on February 20-25 in Charlotte. NC.

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