Staff report

SALISBURY — Livingstone’s women’s basketball team was in position to spring a major upset, but opportunities were missed and Virginia State got out of Trent Gym with a 73-63 victory.

Livingstone trailed 34-33 after a spirited first-half effort in front of 161 fans on Thursday night.

The Blue Bears (2-7, 1-5) were down 62-58 with five minutes left to play after a free throw by Nell Reaves.

But Virginia State answered the challenge. Alexis Blake’s three-point play pushed the lead back to seven, and the Trojans (13-1, 6-1) were headed to another CIAA victory.

Livingstone gave Virginia State trouble on the boards. Morgan Kelson had 12 rebounds as the Blue Bears won that stat.

But Virginia State out-shot the Blue Bears (42 percent to 37.5 percent) and won the turnover battle 20-16.

Tiyanna James scored 18 for the visitors, and Mihjae Hayes had 15.

Samiyah Briggs led the Blue Bears with 14 points. Jay’la Wiliams scored 11. Eleven Blue Bears got in the scorebook.

Virginia State      13    21   20    19   — 73

Livingstone         15     18   14     15    — 63

LIVINGSTONE — Briggs 14, Williams 11, Kelson 8, Lane 6, Carter 6, Short 5, Chambers 3, Woodruff 3, Reaves 3, Griffith 2, Green 2.