Terrence Christian led four Shaw players who scored in double figures with 18 points, but it wasn’t enough as Shaw fell to Virginia State 88-80 at Spaulding Gymnasium.  

Virginia State (9-6, 3-1, 2-1) jumped out to an early 13-2 lead less than four minutes into the game.  The Bears went on a 14-5 run over the next five minutes as Ron Colbert’s lay-up pulled Shaw to within 18-16 with 11:39 remaining.  Virginia State then began to control the game and took its largest lead of the game at 43-29 on a three-point-play by Rodney Harrison with 3:43 remaining in the half.  The Bears trailed 47-36 at halftime.

Shaw (3-12, 1-3, 1-2) opened the second half with a 7-0 run as Terrence Christian’s lay-up at the 17:55 mark of the second half cut Shaw’s deficit to 47-43.  Shaw pulled to within three points at 52-49 on three free throws by Melvin Smith at the 16:32 mark.  Shaw continued to inch closer; this time Jason Coleman’s three-pointer with 14:11 remaining pulled Shaw to within 55-54.  Finally the Bears tied the score at 63-63 on a three-pointer by Willie Williams with 9:16 remaining.

But that’s as close as the Bears would come.  The Trojans pushed their lead up to 73-66 on a jumper by Kanandi Hall with 5:55 remaining.  The closest Shaw would come would be 77-76 on another Smith three at 2:45.  But two subsequent turnovers and missed free throws cost the Bears.  Despite shooting 59 percent from the field in the second half, Shaw made only 19-of-30 free throw attempts.  Smith finished with 15 points.  Harrison led the Trojans with 22 points.

Shaw will take on Winston-Salem State on Thursday in Winston-Salem, NC at Joel Coliseum Annex.