ETTRICK, V.A. – The Virginia State women's basketball team drops to 0-3 following 54-51 loss to Southern Virginia University Griffins in a Wednesday evening matchup.
 
Kaaliya Williams scored double-digits for the second time this season as she led her squad with 11 points. She also recorded her first double-double of the season leading her team her with 12 rebounds as well along with three steals. Sommer Blakemore finished with 10 points and four steals while Valerie Samuel had seven points and a team-high four assists. Natalia Leaks added four points and eight rebounds. Jabarria Brown led the charge off the bench with eight points, four rebounds and four steals.
 
Virginia State forced 24 turnovers as 17 of them came in the first half. The Trojans were able to convert their turnovers into points scoring 17 points off turnovers. VSU was red hot from the free throw line in the second quarter shooting 83%. Virginia State was able to turn their 20 offensive rebounds into 10 second chance points.
 
How It Happened

• The two teams traded baskets at the start of the first quarter prior to a 6-0 SVU run to bring the score to 13-5 with 4:09 left in the first quarter. The score to close the first quarter was 13-8 in favor of the Knights.

 

• Jabarria Brown opened the second quarter with a three-pointer to bring the Trojans to within two points at 13-11. SVU would combat the three ball with a 6-0 run to bring the score to 21-12. The Trojans were able to stay in arms reach ending the half with a 4-0 run to make the score 26-23 headed into the break.

 

• Much like the start of the game, the two teams were neck and neck until the Trojans took the lead with the score at 30-29. While the Knights were able to push their lead to six points, the Trojans would score seven unanswered points to take the lead headed into the fourth quarter with the score at 39-38.

 

• The fourth quarter started with a total of four leads changes prior to an 8-2 run to push the lead out to 54-47 with just 2:01 left in the game. The Trojans would give themselves a shot to win, as they were able to bring to score to 54-51 with: 38 left in the game. SVU went 0-4 from the free throw line with two of those missed coming with: 7 seconds left in the game. The Trojans were unable to tie the game which meant that the Knights held on to the 54-51 lead to steal the victory.

 
Inside the Box Score

• The Trojans had 15 steals in the contest.

 

• Virginia State scored 28 of their 51 points in the paint.

 

• The Trojans grabbed a season-high 38.

 

• The Trojans also scored a season-high 51 points.

 

• Virginia State recorded their first blocks of the year accounting for three in the evening contest.

 
Up Next
Virginia State will have a break to rest up and get healthy before preparing to host the Thanksgiving Classic. The Trojans will take on Penn State Great Allegheny University on Friday, November 26 at 7:00 p.m. then Alderson Broaddus University on Saturday, November 27 at 3:00 p.m.