| Virginia State (9-8) vs. Washington Adventist (9-7) |
| Date |
Tuesday, January 25, 2022 |
| Time |
7:00 p.m. |
| Live Stream |
Live Stream |
| Location |
Takoma Park, MD |
| Social Media |
@VSUsports | @vsutrojans_1882 | @VSUTrojansWBB |
VSU women's basketball team looks to avenge their loss against Shaw last Wednesday 52-47. Coach James Hill Jr.'s squad ranks nationally in categories such as: 15th in turnover margin (6.59) and18th in forced turnovers (390). VSU is also second in the conference in points allowed per game (57.9), first in free throw percentage (72%), first in turnover margin (6.59), first in assist/turnover ratio (0.89), second in steals (187) and assist (265).
Kaaliya Williams is currently ranked fourth in free throw percentage (80%), first in rebounding (143) and second in points (236).
Valerie Samuel leads the conference in assists (71) and holds the second spot in assist/turnover ratio (1.7). Samuel also ranks fifth in the conference in free throw percentage hitting 67% of her free throws while ranking fourth in steals with 32.
Natalia Leaks is currently second in the conference in field goal percentage (44%), second in free throw percentage (87%), fourth in points per contest (14.4), eighth in rebounding (100), fifth in assists (45) and sixth in steals (30).
Sommer Blakemore currently ranks third in the conference in assists (50), second in steals (43) and 10
th in points (178).
Last Time Out
- For the second time this season, Shayla Sweeney led the game in points with 14 along with six rebounds. Sweeney also led the squad with a 60% field goal percentage.
- Natalia Leaks scored double-digits for the sixth game in a row as she finished with 12 points, six rebounds and four dimes on the evening.
- While Sommer Blakemore only finished with seven points thanks to two early three-pointers, she was able to post four steals on the defensive end along with four assists on offense.
- The Trojans forced 20 turnovers in the contest while accounting for six steals.
- VSU was able to make their defense work as their offense as they scored 16 points off turnovers.
Scouting the Shock
The Shock of Washington Adventist is an NAIA school that is a member of the Continental conference, which is made up of 20 teams. WAU is offensively one of the better in their respective conference shooting 39% from the field while averaging 70 points per game. While the Shock shoot a measly 60% from the foul line, they get extra opportunities on the offensive glass averaging 14 offensive rebounds per game. WAU also does a good job taking care of the ball as 15 turnovers per game ranks them fourth in the Continental conference. While the Shock hold opponents to 38% from the field and 28% from beyond the arc, they give up 70 points per game. That being said, the squad averages nine steals per game along with 27 defensive rebounds.
Series History
The Trojans are 11-0 against the Shock. The Trojans have won the last six matchups by 20 or more points against WAU. The last time the two teams faced off was back in 2017 when the Trojans stomped the Shock 74-38 as four players scored 10 or more points. The Shock were held to just 31% from the field, 24% from three-point range and was allowed to shoot just five free throw in the contest.
A Win Would…
- Allow the Trojans to stay undefeated in the series
- Allow the Trojans to avoid falling to .500 at 9-9
- Give VSU their second road win of the year
