PETERSBURG, VA --The Virginia State women's basketball team held Elizabeth City State to just 7.1 percent from 3-point range in a 1-for-14 shooting performance on the way to a 65-33 win against the Vikings at home Saturday.

The Trojans (17-5, 11-3) had two players score in double figures, led by Maya Ellis, who had 13 points. Gabrielle Gerald added 10 points and six rebounds and Michaela Lane added four points and four steals.

Virginia State out-rebounded Elizabeth City State 29-28 in Saturday's game, led by six boards from Gerald.

The Virginia State defense was effective at taking away the basketball in Saturday's game, forcing 28 Elizabeth City State turnovers while committing 24. Those takeaways turned into 24 points on the other end of the floor. Lane's four steals led the way individually for the Trojans.

How It Happened

After jumping out to a 4-2 advantage, Virginia State went on an 11-0 run with 8:03 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Gerald, to increase its lead to 15-2. The Trojans then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 15-4 advantage. Virginia State did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring eight of its 15 points close to the basket.

Virginia State kept its first quarter lead intact before going on a 16-0 run starting at the 9:42 mark in the second period, highlighted by a bucket from Kendahl Spearman, to increase its lead to 31-4. The Vikings cut into that lead, but the Trojans still enjoyed a 35-10 advantage heading into halftime. Virginia State dominated in the paint, scoring 12 of its 20 points close to the basket.

Virginia State continued to preserve its halftime lead before going on a 5-0 run to expand its lead further to 50-21 with 3:34 to go in the third. Before the third period was over, the Trojans added one point to that lead and entered the fourth quarter with a 54-24 edge. Virginia State played well near the basket, scoring 10 of its 19 points in the paint.

The Trojans coasted to the win from there, increasing their margin of victory by outscoring the Vikings 11-9 in the fourth quarter. Virginia State took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring six of its 11 points in the paint.

Game Notes

» The Trojans shot well from three point range, knocking down six of 15 long range attempts.
» The Trojans held the Vikings to only 20.8 percent shooting from the field.
» The Trojans never trailed after taking a 15-4 first quarter lead.
» Virginia State tallied 15 total assists in the game.
» Virginia State had a great day defensively, holding Elizabeth City State to 7 percent from beyond the arc on 14 attempts.
» The Virginia State bench came alive by adding 28 points to its scoring output.
» Virginia State had a 29-28 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Virginia State defense forced 28 turnovers.
» Maya Ellis led the Trojans with a game-high 13 points.
» Virginia State got a team-high six rebounds from Gabrielle Gerald.

This article was created using technology provided by Data Skrive.