Box Score SALEM, WV- The Virginia State University women's basketball team secured a 66-53 win on the final day of the Joe Manchin Classic over the host Salem International University on December 10.
The Trojans move to a 7-1 overall record, after grasping their 6th straight win.
Senior Taylor Daniels showed up and showed out collecting 19 points and 14 rebounds over the Tigers. Junior Mia Fitts tallied 16 points while senior Nandi Taylor rounded out the double digit scoring with 11 points.
The first quarter started off slow as both teams were equally matched. Toggling for the lead, the Trojans ended the quarter trailing, 14-11.
Nandi Taylor helped kicked the game into high gear with a shot from behind the arc to start the second quarter. Taylor Daniels and Fitts gave the Trojans their first strong lead with a jumper and flawless 3-pointer to bring the score to 23-18. As the clocked ticked away, VSU continued to hold steady to the lead, going into halftime with a score of 38-29.
Seconds into the third quarter, junior Jada Harris-Wilson landed a jumper to add to the Trojans lead. As both teams remained scoreless for over 3 minutes, the Trojans stayed focused on dominating the court. Less than 25 seconds left in the quarter, Nandi Taylor secured a 3-pointer to move VSU to a 53-36 lead.
A foul shot from the Tigers with 7:52 left in regulation was the first shot of the fourth quarter. Despite SIU adding buckets to the scoreboard, VSU maintained their lead to snatch the 66-53 win.
Bench points (40-6), points off of turnovers (13-10), and points in the paint (38-22) helped lift the Trojans to their victory.
VSU ended the night shooting 27.8 percent (20-72) from the field, 26.7 percent (4-15) from behind the arc, and 73.3 percent (22-30) at the line, while the Tigers ended the night shooting 33.3 percent (16-48) from the field, 28.6 percent (4-14) from behind the arc, and 60.7 percent (17-28) at the line.
The Trojans will return to the court on December 15 to play their first conference game of the 2016-17 season. Tip-off against the Lady Broncos of Fayetteville State University is set for 5:30pm at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
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.
