By: James Scott, VSU Sports Information

The Trojans shot 48% from the field and held Fayetteville State to 37% in a 71-67 win for Virginia State on Thursday, February 9 in Ettrick, VA. Ibn Rassoull (senior/ East Orange, NJ) scored a game-high 21 points while Kenny Mitchell (junior/ Stone Mountain, GA) had 18 points.

The game began as a defensive struggle for both teams as neither team shot a good percentage to start the game. Both teams couldn't get into a rhythm offensively as the Broncos shot less than 30% and the Trojans shot less than 34% from the field.

The Trojans called upon their bench early in the first half for some timely scoring. Khalil Tate (sophomore/Washington, D.C) answered the call draining back-to-back three-point baskets giving the Trojans an early 10 point lead (14-4). Tate provided the spark from the VSU bench that the Trojans needed as he scored 8 points in the first half. The Trojans took a small lead into the half ahead 26-25.

VSU's Ibn Rassoull helped the Trojans dictate the pace of the game in the second half. With 12:22 left to play in regulation, Rassoull drained a three-pointer from deep giving VSU a 7 point lead (45-38) and some much needed breathing room.

Rassoull then found CIAA Newcomer of the Week, teammate Kenny Mitchell; they both became unstoppable in the second half. The duo would combine for 28 of the Trojans 45 points in the second half. The Broncos tried to keep the game close down the stretch playing tough defensive, but couldn't come up with that big defensive stop that they needed. The Broncos tried to extend the game toward the end, but the Trojans hit their free-throws when it counted the most down the stretch.

The Trojans went on to defeat the Broncos of Fayetteville State (71-67) giving the Trojans their fifth home win of the season.