Box Score Richmond, Va. (January 13, 2018) – The Virginia State University's women basketball suffered a 62-56 loss to the Panthers of Virginia Union University today at Barco-Stevens Hall in their Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) match-up.

With the loss the Trojans ends their 15 straight game winning streak. Virginia State University now moves to a 15-1 overall record, 5-1 in the CIAA, while the Panthers improve to a 15-1 record, 7-0 in the conference.

Senior guard Dionna Marcus posted 14 points, eight rebounds, and four steals to lead the way for the Trojans.
 
Virginia State shot 44 percent from the field, and 80 percent from the free throw line. Senior guard Alexis Smith (Lusby, Md.) and Mia Fitts (Richmond, Va.) were VSU's second-leading scorers, contributing 13 points each. Junior forward Chrisanna Green (Jamestown, NY) tallied seven points and 10 total rebounds while Keyana Brown contributed nine points, six rebounds and one steal.
 
The Trojans set the tone early, fueling a 3-0 VSU lead to start the game.  Virginia State controlled the court with a 19-11 lead to close out the first quarter.
 
In the second stanza, Virginia State built their lead to 30-21 by the 2:51 mark, with the Panthers mounting a comeback and cut the lead to 32-28 with 1:04 to play in the half. The Trojans proceeded to hold VUU to two points for the remainder of the half to take a four point advantage into the break, 34-30.
 
With 9:10 to go in the third, a layup by VUU's Alexis Johnson tied the game for the first time (34) all.  The Panthers then took a six point lead. Smith's jump shot at the 5:58 mark tied the game for the second time (40) all.  VUU netted 14 points in the final minutes of the quarter, to take a 54-48 lead heading into the final period.
 
The Trojans continued to fight, cutting the Panthers lead 60-50 by the 3:59 mark on a layup by Dionna Marcus. Despite Virginia State adding six points in the final period while holding the Panthers to 11 points, the Trojans fell, 65-56.
 Virginia Union University leading scorer was Alexis Johnson, who finished the contest with a double-double performance contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds.
 
Up Next: Virginia State will travel to face the Hawks of Chowan University on Saturday, January 20. Tip-off is slated for 2 p.m.
 
For the most up-to-date information on VSU women's basketball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.