Salem, W.Va.—The Bluefield State Women's Basketball team lost their second game of the Joe Manchin Classic this evening. The host institution, Salem International University, defeated the Lady Blues 62-53 in Salem, W.Va.

Box Score

In the first two quarters of the game, it was all tied up, 13-13 at the end of the first quarter after a layup by Jesslyn Fullerton. At the end of the second quarter, Tierra Richberg hit a layup to tie the game 25-25 at the half.

Within the first 4 minutes in the third quarter, the Tigers took the lead 29-27 and never relinquished it. The Tigers took a 10 point lead at the end of the quarter, 49-39. In the fourth quarter, the Tigers pushed their lead to 14 points, the biggest of the game, near the seven and a half minute mark and held on to the 62-53 victory.

For the game, the Lady Blues shot 35.6% from the field, 12.5% from three (1-for-8), and 58.8% from the free-throw line. The Lady Blues dominated on the board, out-rebounding the Tigers 63-35. But the Tigers took the advantage in the turnover department with 11, and forcing the Lady Blues to 42.

Juniors Tierra Richberg (pictured) and Tanasia Blake both had double-doubles again. Richberg had 15 rebounds, 14 points, 3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Blake had 15 rebounds, 11 points, and 2 steals.

Freshman Lyndsay Hatfield had 17 points going 8-for-10 from the free-throw line. She also had 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Senior Janae Williams grabbed 12 rebounds, 6 points, and 1 block. Freshman Jesslyn Fullerton had 6 rebounds, 5 points, and 2 assists.

Tierra Richberg and Tanasia Blake were both selected to the Joe Manchin Classic Women's All-Tournament team. Both ladies compiled back-to-back double-doubles in the two games the Lady Blues played in the Classic. Richberg combined for 26 rebounds, 37 points, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 4 steals. Blake combined for 26 rebounds, 22 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals. 

The Lady Blues will play Fairmont State University on Dec. 16th in at 6:00 p.m. in Fairmont, W.Va.