Petersburg, VA – Bluefield State University women's basketball fell to Virginia State 66-61. The Big Blue moved to 9-16 (2-11 CIAA), with the Trojans moving to 18-5 (11-2 CIAA).
The Big Blue battled throughout the game, exchanging leads eight times with the Trojans. A big fourth-quarter effort saw the Big Blue outscore Virginia State 21-23 in the final frame, but they couldn't quite complete the comeback.
Caiyiah Smith led the charge for Bluefield State with a season-high 18 points, while Angel Walker provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, all from beyond the arc. Tianna Rhodes also reached double figures, adding 11 points with three steals.
The Big Blue started hot, taking a 16-12 lead after the first quarter, but Virginia State responded in the second to go up 30-28 at the half. The Trojans stretched their lead in the third quarter, but Bluefield State kept it close down the stretch with timely three-pointers from Walker who made three in the fourth quarter.
Final: Bluefield State 61, Virginia State 66
Up Next: Bluefield State vs. Bowie State, Saturday, February 15th at 2 p.m. – Senior Night
