CHARLOTTE -  The Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball team took on the Trojans of Virginia State (10-3,4-1 CIAA), but came up short in a 69–55 CIAA cross division loss on Saturday afternoon inside Brayboy Gymnasium.

JCSU (6-6,3-2 CIAA) struggled offensively in the first half, shooting just 30 percent in the opening quarter and 13 percent in the second,  The Golden Bulls caught fire in the third quarter, connecting on 63.6 percent from the field and converting 6-of-7 free throws.

JCSU finished the game shooting 35.4 percent overall and 71.4 percent at the free-throw line. The Golden Bulls generated 26 points in the paint, added 18 points off turnovers, and received solid production from the bench with 24 points.

Salote Franklin led JCSU with 11 points, while La'Niya Simes added nine points and a team-high 13 rebounds.

Skylar Walker, led VSU with 16 points on the night.

Up next the Golden Bulls will host Big Blue of Bluefield State on Monday, Jan. 12. Tip-off is set for 5:30 p.m.