ELKINS, W. Va. — West Virginia State used a strong second and third quarter to pull away for a 78-46 Mountain East Conference women's basketball victory over Davis & Elkins on Wednesday evening at the Walker Convocation Center.

The Senators held an early lead in the opening quarter and were tied late in the period, but West Virginia State closed the first with a late run to take a 16-13 advantage. The Yellow Jackets extended the margin in the second quarter, outscoring D&E 22-11 to take a 38-24 lead into halftime.

West Virginia State continued to build its lead after the break, using pressure defense and transition scoring to outscore the Senators 22-9 in the third quarter. The Yellow Jackets maintained control throughout the fourth quarter to secure the conference win.

Briyana Sapp led Davis & Elkins with 10 points and eight rebounds. Jalia Garner added nine points, while Nadia President finished with seven points off the bench. Kylie Morris chipped in six points and three rebounds.

Davis & Elkins shot 32.0 percent from the field and 3-of-10 from three-point range, while West Virginia State held a 53-35 rebounding advantage.

West Virginia State was led by Jessica Osuanah with 13 points, while Imani Hickman and Latisha Parris scored 12 points apiece.

Davis & Elkins returns home on Saturday, Jan. 17, hosting the University of Charleston in a Mountain East Conference matchup. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. at the McDonnell Center in Elkins, West Virginia.