Ettrick, Virginia-Two free throws with :02 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter ended up being the undoing for Edward Waters in a tough 62-60 loss to Virginia Union in the first game of the CIAA/SIAC Challenge Friday night at the VSU MultiPurpose Center.

Edward Waters (2-1) was able to jump out to a lead of as many as four points in the first quarter, ultimately taking a 16-15 lead at the end of the quarter. The Panthers (2-1) began a run in the second quarter, outscoring the Lady Tigers 16-9 to take a six point, 31-25 lead at halftime.

Quarter #3 saw Virginia Union grow their lead to as many as 12 points taking a 50-38 advantage into the fourth quarter. Edward Waters was able to show much resolve in the fourth quarter, starting a run of their own. The Lady Tigers methodically chopped the lead down, ultimately tying the contest at 60-60 after two free throws from Isis Smith with :08 seconds remaining in regulation. After a VUU timeout and on the ensuing inbounds play, foul was called on Khadijah Smith, sending the Panthers to the line with :02 remaining. VUU sank both free throws, escaping with a two point victory.

For the Lady Tigers, the difference was on the boards. Virginia Union widely outrebounded Edward Waters 45-21, including a 22-8 edge in offensive rebounding that resulted in 17 second chance points in the game. EWU was able to take the shooting advantage in the contest at 43.1% on 22-51 shooting to 35.8% on 24-67 shooting for VUU. The Lady Tigers shooting from beyond the arc was dominant in the game as well, connecting on 42.9% of their threes to just 10% for Virginia Union.

Khadijah Smith led all scorers and came within one rebound of a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds. Molly Ragle finished with 11 points, also going 3-for-5 from three point range, while Isis Smith finished with 10 points for Edward Waters.

EWU will look to rebound on Saturday afternoon as they will face host school Virginia State on Saturday afternoon at 4:00pm.

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