ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. -- Elizabeth City State dropped a 72–59 decision to Virginia Union on Saturday afternoon at the R.L. Vaughan Center.

The Vikings moved to 4–17 overall and 1–11 in CIAA play, while Virginia Union improved to 13–7 overall and 8–6 in the conference.

Virginia Union opened the game with a strong first quarter to take a 22–15 lead. Elizabeth City State remained within striking distance and trailed 35–27 at halftime. The Vikings responded with a solid third quarter, outscoring the Panthers 17–13 to cut the deficit to four points entering the final period. Virginia Union pulled away in the fourth quarter, using a 24–15 advantage to secure the win.

Jada Clark led Elizabeth City State with 13 points, connecting on 4-of-7 shots from the field, including a perfect 2-of-2 from three-point range, while adding five assists and three rebounds. Kailyn Young provided a spark off the bench with 11 points and three rebounds.

Trinity Smith added nine points on an efficient 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc, while Ariana Atkinson finished with nine points, three assists, and two steals. Naja Ngongba contributed five points on 2-of-2 shooting in limited minutes.

Elizabeth City State shot an efficient 45.7 percent from the field and 45 percent from three-point range, while the bench contributed 27 points.

Virginia Union was led by Bruni Martinez with 17 points and 11 rebounds.