ETTRICK, VA (January 15, 2020) –The VSU women's basketball team hosted the Lady Falcons of St. Augustine's University, but a first half scoring deficit resulted in a the Trojans falling short of a win, 54-48. The non-conference matchup moves the Trojans to an 8-10 overall record, 4-2 in the conference.

First Quarter
Yazmen Hannah jump started the Trojans scoring after a shot at the line put VSU on the board.
The Lady Falcons stepped in to quickly tying the score and take the 6-4 lead with 6:53 left in the quarter. The lead was short lived after Chiqueria Cook retied the game with a jumper.
Despite SAU regaining the lead, VSU worked to stay in the game by drawing fouls to get to the line.
At the end of the first quarter, the Trojans trailed 16-8.
 
Second Quarter
The Trojans had a difficult time finding their groove to open the second quarter.
Hannah moved the Trojans into a double digit score to close the scoring gap 18-10. Natalia Leaks drove to the basket for scoring action, while Hannah returned to the line for two shots.
The intensity of game increased as each team called timeouts to readjust their plays. VSU worked to gain the lead, but SAU took advantage of their free throws.
The Trojans entered halftime trailing, 32-16.
 
Third Quarter
Cook did not waste any time driving to the basket in the opening seconds of the second half, but SAU quickly asked back.
VSU began to find a rhythm with a steal by Hannah and a put back by Jalynn Spaulding. Tajah Clark kept the momentum going with a jumper to close the gap 34-22.
The back and forth battle continued as the toss up for possession changed rapidly.
The game changed quickly after a shot from behind the arc by Autumn Hopson and two shots at the line by Hannah.  With 1:15 left in the quarter, VSU was close to regaining their lead with a score of 43-37.
With no baskets made, the score remained the same to close the quarter.
 
Fourth Quarter
The final quarter was scoreless for the first four minutes until the Lady Falcons broke the hiatus. Clark answered back with a layup to bring the score up 47-39, still in favor of the visitors.
Although Leaks swiveled in to bring the score up 47-41, and the Trojans secured a few additional shots, it was not enough for VSU to take the win, falling short 54-48 to SAU.
 
Leaders
Equally matched on the court, Autumn Hopson and Natalia Leaks each secured 10 points. Hopson also led the team with nine rebounds and two steals.  
 
Up Next
The VSU women's basketball team will host the Panthers of Virginia Union University for the 25^th Annual Freedom Classic Festival on January 18 at the VSU Multipurpose Center. Tipoff is set for 6pm.
 
Stay Connected
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