CHARLOTTE, NC- Virginia State University Trojans advances to the CIAA semifinals for the first time since 2009. The Trojans (21-5, 14-2) defeated the Broncos of Fayetteville State University (14-15, 8-10) in tonight's Quarterfinal matchup 71-57 in Time Warner Cable Arena. VSU matched their longest winning streak of the season at five consecutive wins.
Both teams struggled offensively in the first half. VSU who received a Bye in the tournament had not seen action since their last regular season game on Saturday Feb. 20, while the Broncos was playing their third game in as many days. The Trojans had two players in double figures, Junior Guard
Kevin Williams (Franklinton, NC) led both teams offensively and defensively recording a double double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Junior Forward
Elijah Moore (Yorktown, VA) followed with 15 points. Junior Forward Michael Tyson (Kinston, NC) led the Broncos offensively recording 10 points.
"In the first half I forced a lot of shots. In the second half I took what was given to me," stated Moore. Virginia State held a 22-16 edge with points in the paint.
The score was tied seven times and saw six lead changes all in the first half. The Trojans trailed the Broncos 14-16 with 4:04 left in the first half. Tied up at 16-16 with just 3:33 remaining in the first half Freshman Forward
Joseph Bradshaw (Silver Springs, Md) knocked down a jumper and completed a 3-point play at the line to give the Trojans a one point lead 17-16). Tyson answered back with a jumper for the Broncos to give them an 18-17 lead. Moments later Bradshaw would knock down a jump shot and the Trojans took a 19–18 lead with 2:19 left in the opening half.
The Trojans regrouped, went on an 8-0 run in the final minutes of the first half, and pulled away to a 27-20 leading the Broncos at the half and never looked back.
The Trojans shot 33.3 percent (11-33) from the field, 10 percent (1-10) from behind the arc, and 40 percent (4-10) at the line, in the first half. The Broncos shot 20-7 percent (6-29) from the field, 0 percent behind the arc, and 72.7 percent (8-11) at the line in the first half. Virginia State out rebounded Fayetteville State 47-37.
The Broncos battled fatigue, but continued to contest every possession. The Trojans would see their largest lead of the game with 4:10 remaining in the second half (61-42). Offensively the Trojans found their rhythm and returned in the second half shooting 54.2 percent from the field. The Trojans also connected on their free throw shooting and shot 72.2 percent at the line in the second half.
"In the second half we came out and played the way we are capable of playing. One of the big things that helped is our defense, we really did a good job guarding them in the second half. We rebounded the ball, not giving them second chance opportunities," expressed Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr.
The Trojans ended the night shooting 42.1 percent (24-57) from the field, (37.5) percent (6-16) from behind the arc, and 60.7 percent (17-28) at the line.
The Trojans will take on the Bulldogs of Bowie State University tomorrow at 7 PM. The Bulldogs defeated St. Augustine's University today 73-71 in overtime.
The Trojans defeated the Bulldogs both times during the regular season.
During the first matchup on January 27th the Trojans defeated the Bulldogs 69-58. When the two teams met on February 17 in Bowie, MD the Bulldogs came back from a 16 point halftime deficit; however, Trojans came out victorious 75-73 in overtime.
For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call
804-524-5030.
