Box Score ETTRICK, Va. (December 11, 2017 ) – Senior Alexis Smith scored 28 points and recorded three rebounds to lead Virginia State to a signature win over Newport News Apprentice School (100-65) tonight at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
Before the game, Head Women's Basketball Coach James Hill Jr. was honored for securing his 200th career win when the Trojans defeated Mansfield University 52-51. Virginia State University 14th President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah and Director of Athletics Peggy Davis presented Coach Hill with his 200th win game ball.
After another strong start in front of their home fans, the Trojans (9-0) never trailed during the game and held the Apprentice School (2-7) to 55.6 percent shooting. Fueled by clutch rebounding and aggressive defense, the Trojans answered every Appreciate School run to hang on down the stretch and earn their home win.
Virginia State opened the game on a 5-0 run and limited Apprentice School to two points through the opening eight minutes of the game. The Builders were also held to just four field goals, as the Trojans finished the quarter ahead, 30-8. Senior Endia McKinney led the Trojans offensively, shooting 4-for-4 for ten points.
The Trojans continued to dominate on the court in the second stanza, building their lead to 37-16 by the 6:50 mark. VSU added nine points in the remaining minutes of the half to take a 24 point advantage into the break, 46-22.
With 2:12 to go in the third, a McKinney three pointer sparked the Trojans to put them up, 69-36. The Apprentice School Builders netted one point in the final minutes of the quarter, cutting the Trojans lead 77-37 heading into the final period.
The Trojans continued to rally in the final quarter of the game. Virginia State added 23 points in the final period while holding Newport New Apprentice School to 28 to win the game, 100-65.
Virginia State shot 57.1 percent from the field, 44.4 percent from behind the arc, 57.1 percent from the free throw line and had three players to score in double figures. Senior Endia McKinney was VSU's second-leading scorer with a game high 22 points and four assists, while forward Chrisanna Green secured 12 points, seven rebound, four assists and two steals. Followed by Imani Broadnax who contributed 10 points.
The Apprentice School Builders leading scorer was Ylexzis Traeger who finished the contest with 18 points and four total rebounds.
Up Next: Virginia State will host the Rams of Shepherd University on Saturday, December 30. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m. at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
For the most up-to-date information on VSU women's basketball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.
