SALEM, WV – The upset-minded Salem International University women's basketball team looked for back-to-back wins for the first time this season, but would come-up short against Virginia State University 66-53 on Saturday night (Dec. 10) in NCAA women's collegiate basketball action.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 
35th Annual Joe Manchin Classic hosted by Salem International
Final: Virginia State 66, Salem International 53
Records: Virginia State (7-1), Salem International (1-9)
Location: T. Edward Davis Gym | Salem, West Virginia

HOW IT HAPPENED:

•  First Half
  • The Tigers started the night on a strong note, racing out to a 14-11 lead against the Trojans after the opening 10 minutes of play.
  • The second quarter would see the Trojans knot the game and eventually take the lead for good.
  • Virginia State out-scored SIU 27-15 in the second quarter.
  • SIU senior Dorina Barrett sparked the Tigers offensively in the opening stanza with a 4-for-4 performance from the floor and 10 points.
  • SIU sophomore Keishla Gilmore finished the first-half 3-of-6 at the charity stripe and added a team-high five assists.
  • Salem was 10-of-26 from the floor and 2-of-8 from downtown, while VSU was 11-of-32 from the floor and 2-of-6 from three-point range.
  • The Trojans paced their scoring by making 18 trips to the charity stripe and converting 14 of the opportunities.
  • Fitts recorded a game-high 14 points in the opening-half for VSU. She also added a pair of steals.
  • Harris-Wilson added seven points for the Trojans.
  • The Trojans would take a 38-29 lead at the end of the first-half.

•  Second Half
  • The teams would play a more evenly matched second-half, with VSU out-scoring SIU 28-24 in the second-half.
  • Gilmore scored nine points in the second-half for SIU, going 5-of-10 from the charity stripe.
  • Daniels would record a double-double for the Trojans in the second-half, scoring 13 points and adding 10 rebounds.
  • The Trojans shot 9-of-40 from the floor and went 8-of-12 at the free-throw line.

 STATS FROM THE GAME:

• Gilmore finished the contest with 14 points for SIU, while Barrett finished with 10 points.
• Gilmore recorded a team-high seven helpers for SIU.
• SIU turned the ball over 21 times and recorded 12 steals. VSU turned the ball over 17 times and registered 16 steals.
• VSU got 40 points from its bench in the win and scored 24 points inside of the paint.
• Daniels finished with a game-high 19 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 blocks for VSU.
• Fitts finished with 16 points and Taylor with 11 points and a team-high six assists.
• VSU out-rebounded SIU 38-24 as the Tigers recorded just two offensive rebounds in the game.

UP NEXT:

The Tigers will host West Liberty on Tuesday, December 13 at 5:30 PM inside T. Edward Davis Gym. SIU will hit the road for a matchup with Davis & Elkins on Friday afternoon (Dec. 16) and then return home to host Edinboro at 2 PM on Saturday afternoon (Dec. 17). Live stats and video for both of the Tigers home games will be available at www.SIUTigerPride.com.