RALEIGH, N.C. — D'Ayzha Atkinson scored a game-high 27 points and Shaw used a strong second-half surge to defeat Virginia-Lynchburg 68-57 on Tuesday evening inside Spaulding Gymnasium.

With the win, Shaw improves to 1-2 on the season.

After a tight first half that ended tied at 28-28, the Lady Bears came out of the break energized, shooting more efficiently and forcing key turnovers to take control. Shaw outscored the Dragons 22-18 in the third quarter before extending the lead with an 18-11 final period.

Atkinson led the charge with four made three-pointers while adding six rebounds. Leasia Matthews had a strong all-around performance with 16 points, including four threes of her own, while Ashara Spruill added 13 points, 14 rebounds and four assists.

Shaw's defensive presence was a major factor. The Lady Bears finished with eight blocks, 15 steals and forced 32 turnovers, converting those mistakes into 18 points.

Princess Akojenu paced VUL with 12 points and 19 rebounds. The Dragons hung close early and briefly led during the second quarter before Shaw created separation late.

Shaw finished with nine made three-pointers and held VUL to just 2-for-10 shooting from beyond the arc. The Lady Bears also won the battle on the offensive glass 19-18 and got timely scoring runs to keep momentum.

The Lady Bears return to action after the holiday at the Conference Challenge held at Virginia State November 29-30.