ETTRICK, VA (January 4, 2020)- The Virginia State University women's basketball team fell short of a win against the Lady Broncos of Fayetteville State University, 61-54, to open the second half of the 2019-2020 season.
The loss moves the Trojans to 8-7 overall record, while the Lady Broncos move to a 6-7 record on the season.
First Quarter
After an extended back and forth battle to the basket by both teams, FSU opened the game with the first few shots. Va Draunidalo landed a shot from the perimeter to put the Trojans on the board, followed by Yazmen Hannah for two. At the first charged timeout of the game, VSU trailed 8-5. Tajah Clark worked to close the scoring gap with two good shots at the line, moving the score to 14-7.
At the end of the first quarter, the Trojans trailed 16-9.
Second Quarter
The second quarter mimicked the opening of the first as turnovers and defensive rebounds plagued the court. The Trojans battled to find their groove as the quarter progressed with Shayln Washington, Autumn Hopson and Hannah giving VSU their only points in eight minutes.
A steal by Hopson and a put back by Natalia Leaks gave the Trojans a much needed basket, but the Lady Broncos quickly answered back.
Hannah pulled through with a final second extended shot from behind the arc to close the scoring gap, 33-20, as the Trojans entered the locker room at halftime.
Third Quarter
Jalynn Spaulding got the third quarter started with a layup, securing the first basket of the half. Despite the Lady Broncos answering back with a 3-pointer, Draunidalo returned the favor with the same. After a consecutive battle for possession, the Trojans trailed 42-27 at the first charged timeout of the half.
Making it a team effort, VSU worked to outplay the Lady Broncos defense. A shot from the perimeter by Washington followed by a layup by Leaks, jump started the Trojans momentum.
At the end of the third, VSU trailed 53-37.
Fourth Quarter
Hannah made an early effort for VSU with a layup to start the quarter. Breaking up the Lady Broncos run, Leaks and Spaulding secured much needed shots in the paint. Although the Trojans made necessary free throws and a 3-pointer by Jordan Miller in the final minutes of the game, it was not enough for the home team to take the win. VSU fell short of a win against FSU, 61-54.
Leaders
Yazmen Hannah controlled the game for VSU scoring 19 points, seven rebounds five assists, 3 steals and a single block. Evenly matched in boards for the Trojans was Natalia Leaks with seven rebounds as well.
Up Next
The VSU women's basketball team will host the Blue Bears of Livingstone College on Monday, January 6. The 5:30pm contest will tipoff at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
Stay Connected
For the most up-to-date information on VSU women's basketball, please visit www.govsutrojans.com, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports and on Instagram VSUtrojans_1882.
