ETTRICK, VA (January 6, 2020)- The VSU women's basketball team battled for the lead and the victory over the Blue Bears of Livingstone College (LC), but final second free throws from the visiting team left the Trojans short of a win, 69-67.

VSU holds an 8-8 overall record, while Livingstone is 5-7 on the season.
 
First Quarter
Although the Blue Bears started the game off with a shot from the perimeter, Autumn Hopson took advantage of her time at the line, putting the Trojans on the board for two. The same action was repeated as LC shot for three, while Natalia Leaks answered back from the line. Hopson would soon close the scoring gap, tying the game 6-all with a layup.
The Trojans saw their first lead of the game, 10-8, with a steal and layup by Leaks. At the first charged timeout out of the quarter, VSU held a 12-8 lead.
Despite the Blue Bears regarding the lead, it was short lived with a three pointer by Hopson and a layup by Raelyn Muldrow, giving VSU a 17-14 lead.
Working to keep their momentum up, the Trojans ended the quarter with a 21-18 lead.
 
Second Quarter
Bailee White did not waste any time securing a shot from behind the arc to open the quarter. Jalynn Spaulding and Yazmen Hannah kept the power going with consecutive shots in the paint to give the Trojans a 28-22 lead.

The scoring gap remained close as VSU battled to hold their lead. Muldrow kept the Trojans in the game with a shot from perimeter and an extra point at the line for a 34-32 lead.

Going into halftime with an edge over the visitors, VSU held a 36-34 lead.
 
Third Quarter
Livingstone tied the score in the opening minutes of the quarter, but Leaks moved the Trojans in the right direction with two good free throw shots.
Both teams battle for control of the court with multiple ties and lead changes within minutes.
At the end of the quarter, the Trojans trailed 50-48.
 
Fourth Quarter
Hopson powered her way to the basket to get within points of control. A steal and layup by Muldrow gave VSU a 53-52 lead, but the battle continued. LC reclaimed the lead, but a three point play by Hopson tied the game 56-all. Quick action by Spaulding moved the Trojans ahead 58-56, followed by a foul on the Blue Bears resulting in two shots for Leaks.

The final minutes of the game were intense as the score tied 64-all. With 42.4 left in the game, the VSU trailed 65-64.

An unforeseen call sent the visitors to the line seemingly sealing their fate. A final second shot from the perimeter by Muldrow left the Trojans trailing by one, 68-67.
Unfortunately the final second timeout and advance play didn't rule in favor of the home team. VSU fell short in a close game to Livingstone, 69-67.
 
Leaders
Leading the Trojans with 14 points was Autumn Hopson, followed by Natalia Leaks with 12 points. Raelyn Muldrow played her best game of the season thus far, securing 11 points. Chiqueria Cook rounded out the double digit scoring for VSU with 10 points. Cook controlled the boards for VSU with eight rebounds, while Leaks chipped in with four assist.

Up Next
The VSU women's basketball team will travel to Winston-Salem, NC to face the Rams of Winston-Salem State University on Thursday, January 9. Tipoff is set for 5:30pm..
 
Stay Connected
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