CHARLOTTE, NC- The Virginia State University women's basketball team suffered a 70-54 loss to the Lady Golden Bulls of Johnson C Smith University on January 9.

The matchup moved the Trojans to an 11-4 overall record 3-2 in the conference.

Leading the game for VSU, and securing her first double of the season, was senior Tierra Richberg with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

JCSU's leaders of the night were Blaire Thomas with 17 points and Malia Rivers with 6 rebounds.

With Richberg landing the first shot of the night, the game started with a close scoring margin. In the first quarter, the score tied 5 times, but ruled in favor of JCSU with a score of 18-15.

The Trojans managed to snag a short lead with 8:34 left in the second quarter after a jumper from senior Taylor Daniels. Both teams toggled back and forth for the lead, capitalizing off of rebounds and turnovers. VSU trialed JCSU going into halftime with a score of 30-27.

The Lady Golden Bulls used their home court advantage, taking control of the third quarter. VSU worked to bounce back in the final quarter of the game, outscoring the Lady Golden Bulls, 19-18. Despite stepping up their game, VSU was not able to secure the win.

The Trojans had an edge over the Lady Golden Bulls in second chance points (12-6) and bench points (54-40).

VSU ended the matchup shooting 27.3 percent (15-55) from the field, 23.8 percent (5-21) from behind the arc, and 73.1 percent (19-26) at the line, while JCSU ended the game shooting 41.5 percent (27-65) from the field, 22.2 percent (4-18) from behind the arc, and 66.7 percent (12-18) at the line.

The Trojans will take on their I-95 rivals, the Lady Panthers of Virginia Union University, on January 14. Tip-off is set for 2pm at the VSU Multipurpose Center.

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