Nov. 18, 2008
Box Score
Fayetteville, NC - The Fayetteville State University women's basketball team opened their season with an 81-72 loss against conference foe Virginia State University Tuesday evening inside Capel Arena.
VSU fought through the Lady Broncos' press defense to get off to an early advantage. By the 6:44 mark of the first half, the Lady Trojans had built a 34-26 lead over FSU. In the opening period, Fayetteville State gave up 23 points off 18 turnovers. Forward Eugenna Carson paced Virginia State in the first half shooting 5-of-7 from the floor for 11 points.
The Lady Broncos trailed 47-37 going into the locker at halftime. FSU shot 43.3% (13-of-30) in the opening frame and were outscored 10-to-6 off second chance points.
With 10:15 remaining in the contest, senior guard Chelsea Jeter cut the Lady Trojans lead to five (63-58) with a jumper inside the paint. Guard Leslie Phillips quickly responded with a lay-up to increase Virginia State's advantage.
Freshman center Deja Middleton scored inside the post to bring FSU within four (66-62) with a little over six minutes left to play. FSU would not draw any closer in the game. After the score by Middleton, guard Katania Walker nailed a three-pointer on the other end to expand the Lady Trojans' lead.
Virginia State would eventually stretch the lead to double-double again and force the Lady Broncos to play a game of catch-up the rest of the way.
FSU turned the ball over 37 times and the Lady Trojans scored 36 points off those turnovers. Five VSU players scored in double figures, led by Walker's 15 points, four steals, and three assists. Carson and guard Angela Brown each had 13 points for Virginia State.
Sophomore forward Erica Gilley had a game-high 22 points and eight rebounds for FSU. Junior forward Tressa Aughburns contributed with 12 points and five rebounds.
The Lady Broncos start the season 0-1 overall and in the conference. VSU improves to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the CIAA.
Fayetteville State hopes to rebound when they face UNC-Pembroke on Thursday, November 20th inside the English E. Jones Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
