Virginia State (6-5) vs. Claflin (1-9)

 

Date	December 20, 2021
Time	4:00 p.m.
Live Stream	Live Stream
Location	Ettrick, VA (VSU Multipurpose center)
Social Media	@VSUsports | @vsutrojans_1882 | @VSUTrojansWBB

 
 
The VSU women's basketball team looks to continue their hot-streak fresh off a win against Fayetteville State as VSU was able to hold off a comeback attempt from the Broncos 60-55. Coach James Hill Jr.'s squad is currently tied for 24th in the nation in assists (157), 11^th in steals (130), 17^th in steals per game (13), 11^th in turnover margin (8.70), 11^th in forced turnovers (256) and 24th in points allowed per game (55). VSU also leads the conference in free throw percentage (70%), turnover margin (8.70), assist/turnover ratio (0.93) and assists (176). With four on the season, Kaaliya Williams is ranked nationally in double-doubles at 26th, is second in the conference in rebounds (89), and occupies the third spot in free throw percentage (80%). Valerie Samuel leads the conference in assists (34) and holds the fourth spot in assist/turnover ratio (1.3). Samuel also ranks fifth in the conference in free throw percentage hitting 65% of her free throws. Natalia Leaks is currently third in the conference in field goal percentage (43%), fifth in points per contest (13.9) and second in assists with 30. Sommer Blakemore currently ranks fourth in the conference in assists (34) and second in steals (28).


 
          Last Time Out

•  Kaaliya Williams lead the Trojans with 17 points on an efficient 7-of-10 shooting from the field.

 

• J'Auana Robinson scored a personal best 13 points off the bench while going unconscious from beyond the arc making 4-of-4 of her three's along with a steal.

 

• Sommer Blakemore finished with 13 on the evening along with four rebounds, six assists and two steals. 

• Natalia Leaks ended with eight points, a team-high eight rebounds and six assists while Valerie Samuel accumulated six assists and three steals as well.

 

•  The Trojans forced 20 turnovers on the afternoon, as they were able to turn them into 16 points.

•  The VSU guards were serving up dimes all game as the team amassed 19 assists in the contest.

 

•  The Trojans shot better from three than they did from the field as the squad went 50% from three-point range and 42% from the field.

Scouting the Panthers

The Panthers have had a rough go of things so far this season losing six games straight entering the matchup. CU will look to turn things around under Interim Head Coach Terrence Jenkins. The Panthers are seeking their first road and conference wins of the year against the Trojans on Monday. Offensively, the Panthers average 56 points per contest on 34% shooting from the field and 28% from beyond the arc. CU averages 21 turnovers per game but get 16 points per game from the mistakes of opponents. On the defensive end, the Panthers slightly outrebound opponents on the season 407-403. CU forced 20 turnovers per game while accumulating 10 steals per game as well. Janelle Sample ranks second in the conference is three-pointers made with 21 as a freshman. Sample leads the team with 12 points per game as well. Breanna Price ranks within the top-10 rebounders in the conference as she has brought down 64 boards on the year. Price gets it done on both ends of the floor as she leads her team in assists (18) and steals (18).
 
 
        Series History

        The Trojans are winning the series 4-2 as they are undefeated in the multipurpose center. Natalia Leaks accumulated 14 points and nine boards in the 67-62 win back in 2020.

 
        A Win Would…

•  Give the Trojans their sixth win in seven games

  

• Allow the Trojans to remain undefeated at home against the Panthers

 

• Allow VSU to remain undefeated in the conference

 

• Give the Trojans their final win of 2021