CHARLOTTE, N.C. (January 14, 2019)– Despite a hard-fought game the Virginia State University women's basketball team (8-6, 2-3 CIAA) suffered a tough 64-54 loss to Johnson C. Smith University tonight at the Brayboy Gymnasium. 
 
Johnson C. Smith opened the contest outscoring the Trojans 16-14 after one quarter. JCSU continued to put points on the board outscoring the Trojans in the second, 21-10, as Virginia State trailed 37-24 at the half. The Golden Bulls secured a 49-46 advantage after three periods and rolled to a 64-54 victory over Virginia State.  The Trojans was led by junior forward Shalyn Washington recording 13 points and seven rebounds. 
 
Washington scored 13 points in 37 minutes of play. The Richmond, Virginia native was 6-for-7 from the free throw line and finished with seven rebounds. Aja Robertson recorded 10 points and three rebounds.


 
DeJane' James led the Golden Bulls in double figures with contributing 17 total points.
 
How It Happened
Johnson C. Smith opened the contest outscoring the Trojans 16-14 after one quarter. JCSU continued to put points on the board outscoring the Trojans in the second, 21-10, as Virginia State trailed 37-24 at the half.
 
Aja Robertson secured the opening basket to start the third quarter to bring the score 26-37. Jalynn Spaulding added a basket to put the Trojan within four making the score 43-39 with 3:35 left in the quarter. Virginia State then added baskets to cut JCSU's lead 46-44 with just 1:49 seconds to play to end the period.  
 
Johnson C. Smith continued to put up points over the remaining minutes to close out the game giving them a 64-54 victory. Yazmen Hannah collected two free throws to close out the scoring for the Trojans.
 
Inside the Numbers
> Virginia  State was 16-of-49 (32.7 percent) shooting and 17-of-20 (85 percent) from the charity stripe
> Johnson C. Smith University shot 40 percent (18-of-45) from the floor and 65.6 percent (21-of-32) from the free-throw line
> Virginia State finished with seven points off JCSU turnovers and 16 second-chance points
> JCSU tallied 14 points off VSU turnovers and 13 second-chance points
 
Up Next
The Trojans will travel to Orangeburg, S.C. to face Claflin University on Wednesday, January 16^th. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 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.