Box Score Ettrick, VA- The Virginia State University women's basketball team suffered a 77-64 loss to the Lady Panthers of Virginia Union University on January 14.
The loss moves the Trojans to an 11-5 overall record, 3-3 in the conference.
The Trojans were offensively led by junior Mia Fitts who recorded 20 points. Senior Tierra Richberg followed up with 14 points. Senior Taylor Daniels led the defensive effort for VSU with 8 rebounds.
Lady Walker led the charge for the Panthers offensively recording a double-double, 20 points and 10 rebounds. Alexis Johnson led VUU defensively securing 12 rebounds.
In the opening minutes of the contest Endia McKinney knocked down a corner three to give the Trojans a 3-2 lead over VUU. With 4:19 remaining in the opening quarter senior Nandi Taylor's three pointer gave the Trojans a narrow 12-9 advantage over the Panthers, but VSU missed their next six shots giving the Panthers the opportunity to gain a 15-12 edge.
Both teams exchanged baskets to close out the first quarter, but VUU maintained possession of the lead, 19-17.
The Lady Panthers started the second quarter with a 12-0 run, but the Trojans fought to stay within striking distance. Richberg scored eight of the Trojans ten points in the final minutes of the second quarter, cutting the Lady Panthers lead to single digits before the half.
VUU outscored the Trojans 22-12 in the third quarter and built on that momentum early in the 4th quarter, taking their largest lead up by 23.
A series of made three pointers in the final minutes of the game seemed to give the Trojans momentum, but they were not able to make a comeback. The Lady Panthers captured the 77-64 win.
VSU ended the night shooting 34.9% (22-63) from the field, 32.1% (9-38) from behind the arc, and 73.3% (11-15) at the line, while VUU ended the game shooting 44.6% (29-65) from the field, 20% (3-15) from behind the arc, and 76.2% (16-21) at the line.
VSU will continue to work hard to prepare for the 2017 CIAA Basketball Tournament on February 21-25 in Charlotte. NC.
For more information on VSU Trojans women's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030
