Ettrick, VA- The Virginia State University women's basketball team defeated the Bears of Shaw University 69-57 on February 1.

The Trojans improve to 15-6 overall record, 7-4 in the conference.

Senior Nandi Taylor had an explosive game, as she led the charge offensively recording her single game career high of 29 points. Senior Dominique Hagins followed up for the Trojans contributing 14 points. Senior Taylor Daniels led the defensive effort for VSU, securing 11 rebounds and scoring 10 points for a double-double.

The Bears were offensively and defensively led by Laquisha Taylor who recorded 22 points and 6 rebounds.

The Trojans crushed the boards offensively, out rebounding Shaw 38-27. The Bears turned the ball over 21 times, giving VSU the chance to score.

Taylor opened the contest with a jumper for the Trojans. VSU went on an 11-0 run in the opening minutes of the game. A jumper from Shaw's Chelsea Long with 4:50 left in the first quarter gave the Bears their first points of the night. The Bears began to find a rhythm offensively, but it was short lived after a layup by Daniels sparked a 10-2 VSU run to end the first quarter.  

Both teams exchanged baskets to open up the second quarter. With 6:56 remaining in the quarter, a 3 pointer from the Bears brought them within 7 points (23-30) of VSU.  The Trojans did not back down and were consistent on the court closing out the first half with a 44-34 lead over the Bears.

Virginia State recorded 25 points in the second half; while Shaw scored 23 points. Despite close numbers in the second half, the Bears could not recover from the first quarter where they shot 20% to VSU's 55.6%.

VSU ended the night shooting 43.1% (28-65) from the field, 28.6% (6-21) from behind the arc, and 77.8% (7-9) at the line, while SU ended the game shooting 42.9% (18-42) from the field, 50% (7-14) from behind the arc, and 56% (14-25) at the line.

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.