INSTITUTE, W.Va. -- West Virginia State's women's basketball team fell at home to Virginia State by five points, 90-85. State shot 11.5 percent in the second quarter while shooting 39.6 percent (25-of-63) in the first, third, and fourth quarters combined. The Yellow Jackets have now been outscored in the second quarter by a 271-201 margin on the season. Despite that, WVSU is outscoring their opponents by 125 in the three other quarters, but the Yellow Jackets have now dropped seven of their last eight contests, only twice by more than five points.

State falls below .500 for the first time this season to 6-7. They remain 2-5 in the Mountain East. Virginia State improves to 11-4, 4-1 in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

ZZ Russell led the WVSU offense with 18 points combined with two rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block. Ashley Kerekes contributed 15 points, six boards, two assists, and four steals. Emyah Fortenberry grabbed a double-double with 14 points, 14 rebounds, 11 of her rebounds on the offensive glass.

Mihjae Hayes led all scorers with 19 points. Virginia State dominated the fast break and the paint with 38 and 60 points respectively. WVSU managed just 17 fast break points and 34 points in the paint.

West Virginia State opened the game with strong shooting, leading 21-14 by the end of the first quarter. Russell scored five points early, including a three-pointer, and Fortenberry added four points and five rebounds. WVSU shot 36.4% from the field and made three three-pointers. Virginia State struggled offensively, shooting 43.8% from the field but failing to make a three-pointer. Hayes led VSU with four points.

Virginia State outscored WVSU 22-9 in the second quarter to take a 36-30 lead at halftime. Hayes scored eight points in the quarter, contributing to a fast break and inside scoring surge. WVSU struggled offensively, shooting just 11.5% (3-for-26) and missing all eight three-point attempts. Fortenberry added six rebounds in the period but couldn't capitalize on second-chance opportunities. Virginia State capitalized on turnovers, scoring 14 fast-break points by halftime.

The third quarter saw balanced scoring from both teams, with Virginia State outscoring WVSU 26-23 to maintain a 62-53 lead. Fortenberry continued to dominate the boards with nine rebounds, while Russell and Woods combined for three three-pointers to keep WVSU within reach. Hayes and Kweti were instrumental for Virginia State, combining for 12 points. Virginia State shot 50% from the field in the quarter, while WVSU improved slightly to 31.8%.

West Virginia State mounted a late comeback, outscoring Virginia State 32-28 in the fourth quarter. Russell scored seven points, while Fortenberry added six rebounds and a block. Kerekes scored five points in the final minutes, including two free throws to cut the deficit to single digits. Virginia State sealed the game with late free throws and baskets from Hayes and Miller. Despite WVSU's 10-0 run midway through the quarter, Virginia State held on for a 90-85 victory.

WVSU travels to Davis & Elkins for a road MEC matchup against the Senators on Wednesday, Jan. 15 for a 5:30 PM scheduled tip.