Raleigh, NC -  The Shaw University Lady Bears basketball team collected a key CIAA divisional win over the host Virginia State University 52-47 Wednesday evening inside the VSU Multi-Purpose Center. 

Shaw (6-9, 3-3 CIAA) opened the contest on a 9-0 run before VSU (9-8, 5-3 CIAA) trimmed the Lady Bears lead to 16-14 at the end of the opening period. The Trojans took a slim one-point lead before Shaw bounced back to go ahead 32-25 at halftime. 

Both squads battled to a low-scoring third quarter while Shaw was held to just seven points in the period holding on to a slim 39-37 lead after three complete. Shaw's lead grew to eight in the final period before VSU trimmed their deficit five. Shaw's biggest lead of the game came with 2:11 remaining with the Lady Bears leading 51-40.

The Trojans made a small run at the closing of the quarter but it would be too little too late as Shaw collected the five-point victory.

Shaw will return to action Saturday, January 22 as they host Bowie State University. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. inside historic C. C. Spaulding Gymnasium.