| Virginia State (7-5) vs. Livingstone (2-7) |
| Date |
Saturday, January 8, 2022 |
| Time |
2:00 p.m. |
| Live Stream |
Live Stream |
| Location |
Salisbury, NC (New Trent Gym) |
| Social Media |
@VSUsports | @vsutrojans_1882 | @VSUTrojansWBB |
The VSU women's basketball team looks to avenge an uncharacteristic loss Thursday evening against Winston-Salem State 81-58. The loss was the first one in nearly a month dating back to the loss on December 11 to nationally ranked Shepherd. Despite the losing effort, the VSU women's basketball team remains atop of the conference standings. Coach James Hill Jr.'s squad ranks nationally in an abundance of categories such as: 21th in steals (145), 26th in steals per game (12), 11th in turnover margin (8.70), 11th in forced turnovers (303) and 22th in points allowed per game (54). VSU is also first in the conference in opponents' points per game (56.3), third in the conference in free throw percentage (70%), first in turnover margin (8.00), first in assist/turnover ratio (0.93) and first in assists (199).
Kaaliya Williams is currently ranked third in the conference free throw percentage (78%), first in rebounding (100), fourth in points (157) and 10th in steals (21).
Valerie Samuel leads the conference in assists (48) and holds the second spot in assist/turnover ratio (1.7). Samuel also ranks sixth in the conference in free throw percentage hitting 66% of her shots while accumulating 21 steals on the season, which ranked her sixth.
Natalia Leaks is currently third in the conference in field goal percentage (44%), sixth in points per contest (14.2), third in assists with 35 and fourth in assist/turnover ratio (1.3).
Sommer Blakemore ranks third in the conference in assists (38), second in steals (32) and third in assist/turnover ratio (1.5).
Last Time Out
- Natalia Leaks scored a team-high 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field along with a steal.
- Kaaliya Williams was right behind Leaks with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting while grabbing six boards and a steal.
- The Trojans were able to draw 24 fouls, which led to 24 free throws.
- VSU was also able to force 16 turnovers, which turned into 16 points in the evening contest.
Scouting the Blue Bears
Livingstone enters the matchup on a cold streak losing their last three of four games. That being said, the Blue Bears won their last game against Bowie State 64-55 to make them 1-0 in conference play. LC has not played a game since December 16 prior to have three-straight games postponed. LC has struggled mightily on the offensive end, as they are last in the conference in assist/turnover ratio, turnover margin, three-point percentage, field goal percentage and points per game. The Blue Bears will look to improve upon their ball security as they commit 24 turnovers per contest, which has allowed opponents to score 21 points off those turnovers. The hosts of the matinee matchup hangs their hat on the defensive end as they lead the conference in opponents three-point percentage forcing opponents to shoot 23% from downtown. The squad is also fourth in the conference in steals per game with 10.56 and fourth in points allowed with 62. Daijah Turner leads her team in points averaging 10 per game while knocking down 93% of her free throws. Turner has also dished the most dimes on her team as well with 21 assists on the year while also leading her team in three-point attempts (38) and makes (11). Andresia Alexander is currently sixth in the conference in steals with 21 on the season. Alexander is also a force to be reckoned with on the glass as she leads her team with 42 rebounds.
Series History
The Trojans currently lead the series 13-7 against the Blue Bears despite losing three of the last four matchups. VSU won the most recent matchup 57-45 as
Natalia Leaks led her squad with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field. VSU held LC to just 22% from the field and 10% from beyond the arc.
A Win Would…
- Give the Trojans their fourth win of the last five games
- Give the squad their first away victory
- Give VSU their first victory of the New Year
