INSTITUTE, W Va. – The West Virginia State University women's basketball team picked up its seventh victory of the season against Urbana, 115-80, on Saturday afternoon at the Walker Convocation Center. The Yellow Jackets held the lead for the entire 40 minutes.

The Yellow Jackets improve to 7-9 overall, 5-5 in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) with the win. Meanwhile, the Blue Knights drop to 10-6 overall, 6-4 in the MEC with the loss.

Freshman forward Destiny Fields led the way with 25 points and seven rebounds. Sophomore guard Charity Shears posted 21 points and made five three-point field goals, while Payton Shears made four three-pointers on her way to 18 points.  Sophomore forward Chloe Cheresne had an all-around performance by totaling 10 points, five rebounds, four blocks and two steals. Similarly, Sierra Womack was all over the court with 14 points, seven boards, four assists and two steals.

The Yellow Jackets were relentless from the opening tip as they applied full-court pressure from the start.  At the five-minute mark in the first quarter, West Virginia State gained a nine-point advantage, 17-8, when Chloe Cheresne hit a jumper. In the latter five minutes of the first period, WVSU went on a 22-8 run that left Urbana in the dust. Payton Shears' layup in the closing seconds of the opening period put the Yellow Jackets up by 21 points, 37-16.

The second quarter was more of the same as the Blue Knights were unable to find a response to West Virginia State's onslaught. The Yellow Jackets outscored Urbana, 32-12, in the second period by forcing eight turnovers and shooting 50 percent from the field. WVSU went into the locker room ahead by 41 points, 69-28.

The Blue Knights were able to compose themselves in the second half. They outscored the Yellow Jackets, 31-21, in the third quarter. Nevertheless, West Virginia State took a 31-point lead into the final period, 90-59.

WVSU did not allow Urbana to get any closer in the fourth quarter. The Yellow Jackets outscored their opponents in the final ten minutes of action, 25-21. The 35-point margin of victory was the largest that West Virginia State achieved this season.

WVSU impressively forced 31 turnovers in the contest and scored 47 points off turnovers. Furthermore, West Virginia State held Urbana to less than 50 percent shooting from the field and under 30 percent shooting from the perimeter.

The Yellow Jackets remain at home for their next game against Glenville State (12-4, 8-2 MEC) on Wednesday, Jan. 22. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.