ETTRICK, Va.- The Virginia State University women's basketball team outlasted the Lady Broncos of Fayetteville State University with a final score of 56-50 on December 15. This was the Trojans first CIAA conference matchup for the 2016-17 season.

The Trojans advance to an 8-1 overall record after grasping their 7th straight win, while the Lady Broncos move to a 1-8 overall record.

Taking control of the court for the Trojans was senior Joy Hickman with 15 points, while senior Nandi Taylor chipped in 13 points. Rounding out the double-digit scoring and leading the game in recoveries was senior Taylor Daniels with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

A foul on the Lady Broncos in the opening seconds of the game, gave the Trojans the start to their strong lead of the first quarter. Nandi Taylor's fast break shot extended the Trojans to an 18-2 lead with 4:48 left in the quarter. After 5 scoreless minutes, FSU got back on the board in the final minutes of the quarter. At the buzzer, VSU had a 20-8 edge over FSU.

The second quarter ruled in favor of the Lady Broncos, as they trimmed away at the scoring gap. Hickman and Daniels kept the Trojans afloat in the quarter, making much needed baskets. FSU tied the game 24-24 with 34 seconds left in the half. Playing smart, the Trojans put Hickman in a position to secure a 3-point shot with 7 seconds on the clock, breaking the tie for a halftime score of 27-24.

Hickman brought her 3-point skills into the second half, landing a shot to begin the third quarter. The Trojans kept a steady flow on the court, giving them enough power to maintain their lead, with a score of 43-35 at the end of the third.        

Answering back in the fourth quarter, the Lady Broncos snatched the lead with 5:49 left in regulation. The milestone was short lived for FSU. Junior Mia Fitts gave the Trojans a much needed 3 pointer to reclaim the lead; bringing the score to 50-48. Points from the free throw line in the final minutes of the game gave VSU their 56-50 conference season opener win.

Second chance points (10-2) and fast break points (4-2) helped lift the Trojans to their victory.

VSU ended the night shooting 32.0 percent (16-50) from the field, 45.5 percent (5-11) from behind the arc, and 55.9 percent (19-34) at the line, while the FSU ended the night shooting 40.0 percent (18-45) from the field, 28.6 percent (4-14) from behind the arc, and 66.7 percent (10-15) at the line.

The Trojans will return to the court on December 16 to take on the Seton Hill Griffins. Tip-off 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.