Back-and-Forth Battle: Virginia State Outlasts Virginia Union in High-Scoring Affair

Richmond, VA—The Trojans travel to Virginia Union University to take on the Panthers on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. 


The game kicked off with an electrifying tip-in from Tiyanna James, giving Virginia State an early 2-0 lead. Virginia Union quickly responded as Nevaeh Reaves sank an impressive three-pointer, narrowing the gap to 4-3. As tension mounted, both teams showcased their grit, battling fiercely for every possession, with turnovers and steals flying by. Virginia State's Anii Harris capitalized on the chaos, racing down the court for a fastbreak layup and following it up with a smooth free throw, stretching their lead to 7-3.
However, Virginia Union's Taniyah Greene was determined to make her mark. She sank several layups, leveling the score at 7-7 and igniting the crowd's enthusiasm. As the action intensified, the teams exchanged jaw-dropping three-pointers, with Tiyanna James and Nevaeh Reaves dazzling the audience from long range.

Virginia Union managed to capitalize on free throws from Rori Cox, establishing an early 26-21 lead. Yet, the momentum shifted when Virginia State's Tiyanna James sliced through the defense for a fastbreak layup, shrinking the deficit to 26-24. The intensity on the court was palpable as both teams continued to trade points, with Virginia Union maintaining a narrow advantage.
As the game progressed, Virginia State's dynamic duo, Mijhae Hayes and Amesha Miller, stepped up with crucial baskets, propelling their team to a 31-28 lead. Not willing to back down, Virginia Union's Taniyah Greene swiftly responded with a layup, narrowing the score to 31-30. The next exchanges were a battle of wills, marked by turnovers and fouls, as both teams fought tooth and nail for control.

Virginia State seized the upper hand with clutch free throws and a pivotal layup from Amesha Miller, extending their lead to 38-31. To cap off an exhilarating first half, Tiyanna James hit a three-pointer, sending Virginia State into halftime with a commanding 41-32 advantage.

As the second half commenced, the Panthers made an explosive move, quickly scoring to trim the deficit to 41-34. The Trojans responded with a swift layup, pushing the score to 43-34. What followed was a thrilling back-and-forth battle as both teams exchanged baskets. Virginia Union's Jones and Virginia State's Harris showcased their skills, finding the net repeatedly.
Virginia State maintained its grip on the lead, bolstered by stellar performances from Kendahl Spearman and Mijhae Hayes. However, Virginia Union's Taniyah Greene refused to let her team fall behind, driving in layups and sinking free throws to keep the pressure on.

The intensity escalated throughout the quarter, each team scrambling for control amidst a flurry of turnovers and fouls. Just when it seemed the momentum might shift, Virginia State's Anii Harris calmly sank a crucial three-pointer, extending their lead to 53-46. By the end of the quarter, Virginia State held a solid position at 58-51, thanks to some clutch free throws from Harris. Excitement filled the air as tensions rose!  Virginia Union mounted a spirited comeback, utilizing quick free throws and layups to narrow the score to 63-61. Yet, Virginia State's dynamic duo, Amesha Miller and Anii Harris, were determined to maintain their team's advantage. With just over two minutes remaining, Virginia State pulled ahead, 73-65, supported by clutch free throws from Tanayja London.

As the tension mounted, Anii Harris and Tiyanna James delivered pivotal baskets, extending the lead to 77-65. Virginia Union's Hailey Blackwell attempted to spark her team with a last-minute three-pointer, but it fell short of bridging the gap. In the end, Virginia State closed out the game decisively, sinking crucial free throws and securing an impressive victory with a final score of 82-68.


The Virginia State Women's basketball will gear-up and head to Baltimore, MD for the CIAA Basketball Tournament.