SALEM, W. Va. (Dec. 9, 2017) — A dominant first quarter by the Salem University Tigers women's basketball team slowly eroded over the course of the final three quarters, ending in a 54-53 loss to to the Elizabeth City State University Vikings. 

Salem University's defense held Elizabeth City State University to 3-for-15 shooting in the first quarter and forcing six turnovers, scoring eight points off those turnovers, to take a 19-7 lead. 

But both offense ground to a halt in the second quarter, with each team scoring just nine points apiece. The Tigers shot just 11-for-37 (29.7 percent in the first half, hitting 4-for-16 from the 3-point line. Elizabeth City State University shot just 22.6 percent, including 0-for-5 from the 3-point line. 

The Vikings found their footing in the second half by firmly planting their feet in the paint. Devona Stell scored 10 of her 13 points in the second half, grabbing eight rebounds to finish with a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double to help the Vikings turn things around with a 24-15 third quarter—with Salem leading 43-40 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Elizabeth City State University held an 8-0 advantage in points in the paint and 6-0 in fast break points, taking the lead for good on a fast break layup by Jalyn Brown with 21 seconds remaining. The Vikings ended the game with a steal, preventing the Tigers from getting a look to win the game. 

The Vikings held a 22-6 advantage in points in the paint in the second half, outpacing the Tigers 32-16 for the game. They also doubled the Tigers' bench in scoring with a 14-7 advantage. 

Keishla Gilmore led the Tigers with 15 points and 13 rebounds while Aaliyah Dotson and Jillian Romero scored 11 points each.  

In addition to Stell's double-double, Brown scored 15 points and four assists. Anaya Eason recorded 10 points and three steals, including the game-clinching steal. 

The Tigers will end the Joe Manchin Classic with a game against Central State University on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 5 p.m.