ETTRICK, VA – Virginia State women's basketball team dropped their fourth-straight game at the hands Virginia Union, 61-54. Despite playing well defensively forcing 17 turnovers and 12 steals, the Panthers outrebounded the Trojans 43-31 to get the win. The loss drops their conference record down to 5-7.
Kaaliya Williams posted a game-high 19 points along with nine rebounds and a steal while knocking down 8-of-14 of her shots from the field.
Natalia Leaks scored 10 points along with six assists and a team-high three steals. The conference leader in assists,
Valerie Samuel, earned five assists for the third game in a row as she also ended her night with two steals and five points before fouling out.
Shayla Sweeney scored eight points along with four rebounds and two steals.
How It Happened
- After Kaaliya Williams scored the game's first three points, the Panthers went on to score 17 unanswered points to bring the score to, 17-5, with 2:03 left in the first quarter. The Panthers led, 20-10, heading into the second quarter.
- The Trojans was able to cut the lead down to nine points but the Panthers were able to extend their lead to, 27-15, with 5:35 left in the half.
- VSU scored six unanswered points to cut the lead to six points at, 27-21, with 2:08 left in the half
- The Panthers took a, 29-22, lead into the locker room at halftime.
- Kaaliya Williams scored nine points along with three rebounds while Valerie Samuel ended her half with five points and three assists. The Trojans forced eight turnovers with six steals. The Panthers were able to hit 10-of-11 free throws in the first half.
- Coming out of the half, the Trojans were able to cut the lead to six twice before going on a 9-0 run to bring the score to, 40-26, with 5:09 left in the third quarter.
- Kaaliya Williams contributed four points in the final five minutes of the quarter to bring the score down to, 44-34, heading into the final quarter of play.
- Two minutes into the fourth quarter, the Trojans made a push cutting the lead down to just six. The Panthers would go on a little bit of a heater prior to the last media timeout with the score at, 52-41, with 5:40.
- The Trojans were able to cut the lead to just six points with just 1:30 left in the game. Unfortunately, the Panthers were able to close out the game, 61-54.
Inside the Box Score
- The Trojans forced 17 turnovers while accumulating 12 steals
- The Trojans held the Panthers to 15% from beyond the arc.
Up Next
The Trojans will host their last non-conference game of the season against Bluefield State College. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m.
