SHEPHERD, WV- The Virginia State University women's basketball team rounded out their final game of 2016 with a win over the Lady Rams of Shepherd University, 72-67. The December 30 win moves the Trojans to a 10-2 overall record.

Leading the Trojans in scoring for the night was senior Nandi Taylor with 18 points. Grasping a solid double-double for VSU was senior Taylor Daniels with 16 points and 18 rebounds. Although the Lady Rams had 3 players to score in the double digits, ball recovery gave the Trojans an edge for the win.

Both teams toggled back and forth for the lead in the first quarter. Despite SU opening the game with a quick layup, senior Domonique Hagins answered back with a shot from behind the arc. In the first few minutes of the quarter, the Lady Rams drove to the basket to secure their points. Much needed 3-point shots from Nandi Taylor, senior Joy Hickman and junior Mia Fitts kept the Trojans alive in the first quarter; only trailing by 1 point.

The second quarter ruled in favor of the SU as they secured bucket after bucket to hold the lead. Shots in the paint gave the Trojans an advantage to close the scoring gap with minutes left until half time. The Lady Rams sent FItts to the line to give the Trojans the space to take the 31-30 lead. A last second offensive rebound and layup by Daniels gave VSU a 33-30 lead into halftime.

As Daniels took the lead with the first shots of the third quarter, the Trojans reclaimed control of the game. Capitalizing off of the Lady Rams turnovers, VSU held a 9 point lead, rounding out the third quarter.

A layup from Hagins put the Trojans on a double-digit lead run over SU in the final quarter. With under 3:30 left in the game, the Lady Rams begin to rally back with a shot from behind the arc. Despite missed shots and turnovers by both team, VSU was able to maintain control of the game to take the 72-67 win to end the year 2016.

The Trojans had an edge on the SU Lady Rams in second chance points (16-12) and points in the paint (30-28). Both teams were equally match on fast breaks, with 8 points each.

VSU ended the night shooting 43.3 percent (26-60) from the field, 42.1 percent (8-19) from behind the arc, and 75 percent (12-16) at the line, while SU ended the night shooting 44.1 percent (26-59) from the field, 40 percent (10-25) from behind the arc, and 45.5 percent (5-11) at the line.

The Trojans will take on the Lady Rams of Winston-Salem State University on January 5 for the Trojans first game of 2017.  Tip-off is set for 5:30pm in Winston-Salem, NC.

VSU will continue to work 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.