Virginia State Hold Off Shepherd University, 85-25

ETTRICK, Virginia -- The Virginia State University women's basketball team defeated the Rams of Shepherd University, 85-25, today at VSU Multipurpose Center.

Alexis Smith (Lusby, Md.) led the way for the Trojans (12-0) with 28 points on 10-of-17 shots from the floor. Smith also contributed two total rebounds, seven assists, and five steals.

Virginia State shot 45.8 percent from the field, 46.2 percent from behind the arc and had four players to score in double figures. Senior guard Keyana Brown (Williamsburg, Va.) was VSU's second-leading scorer with 13 points and one steal, while guard Dionna Marcus (Fort Stewart, Ga.) contributed 12 points and four rebounds. Mia Fitts (Richmond, Va.) secured 11 points while junior forward Chrisanna Green (Jamestown, NY) ended the contest with a double-double performance, adding 11 points and 10 rebounds.

Smith set the tone early contributing six points and fueling an 11-2 lead to start the game. Virginia State opened up a 24-2 lead to close out the first quarter, never giving up the lead the entire contest.

In the second stanza, Virginia State built their lead, 30-10, by the 5:32 mark, as they continued to dominate on the court. The Trojans proceeded to add points to the board for the remainder of the half while tallying 16 points to take an extended advantage into the break, 40-10.

With 7:23 to go in the third, a layup by Dionna Marcus put Virginia State up, 48-14. Shepherd University netted three points in the remaining minutes of the quarter, cutting Virginia State's lead to 66-17, heading into the final period.

The Trojans added 19 points in the final period to win the game, 85-25.

Shepherd University's leading scorer was Kayla Tibbs who finished the contest with eight points.

Up Next: Virginia State will open its 2018 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association play at home as they host the Rams of Winston-Salem State University on Thursday, January 4. Tip-off is slated for 5:30 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on VSU women's basketball please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.

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