ETTRICK, VA – The Virginia State University women's basketball team has secured their last win of 2021 and extended their current win-streak to three games following the 48-44 victory over Claflin on Monday afternoon. The Trojans lost just one of their six games in December as their 3-0 conference record sits them firmly in the first spot in the CIAA heading into the New Year.
Natalia Leaks was the only player from both squads to score double-digits as the senior finished with 16 points along with a team-high eight rebounds with four assists and two steals on the afternoon.
Sommer Blakemore and
Kaaliya Williams contributed nine points apiece while combining for nine rebounds as well.
Valerie Samuel finished with a team-high five assists along with three steals. VSU did not allow one Panther to finish in double-digits as three of CU's players finished with a team-high eight points. VSU forced 26 turnovers and drew 19 fouls in the contest.
How It Happened
- After the Trojans took a 6-0 lead in the first few minutes of the game, the Panthers caught heat scoring 13 unanswered points to bring the score to 13-6 with under a minute to go in the first quarter.
- Kaaliyah Williams was able to knock down three free throws at the end of the quarter to bring to score to 13-9 at the end of the first quarter.
- In the second quarter of play, J'Auana Robinson and Shayla Sweeney landed a pair of long-range jumpers as the Trojans tried to gain the lead heading into the locker room yet, the Panthers led 22-19.
- Kaaliya Williams led the game with seven points with a steal. Valerie Samuel had a game-high three assists and three steals. The Trojans harassed the CU ball handler's into 14 first half turnovers while shooting 36% from the field and 17% from the three-point line. VSU also tacked on six steals in the half.
- After a back-and-fourth start to the second half, the Trojans were able to take the lead for the first time since early in the first quarter 25-24 with 5:23 left in the second quarter.
- Five leads changes later, the Panthers took a 34-33 lead into the fourth quarter.
- The Trojans came out aggressive in the final quarter scoring four unanswered points three minutes in.
- While the Panthers made a final push for the lead bringing the game to two points, Sommer Blakemore hit another huge three-pointer to push the lead back to five at 47-42 with a 1:24 left in the game.
- The Trojans were able to lock up on defense throughout the final minutes of the game to take the win 48-44.
Inside the Box Score
- The Trojans hit 9-of-12 free throws in the contest
- Virginia State did not allow one Panther to touch double-digits in scoring.
- VSU forced 26 turnovers while accounting for eight steals.
- The Trojans forced 19 fouls in the contest.
Up Next
Virginia State will begin their four-game road trip on January 4, 2022 against Washington Adventist University in Tokoma Park, Maryland. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
