Box Score
By: Reshawn Garnett, VSU Sports Information Intern

John Holleman nailed four shots from three-point land scoring a career-high 16 points as VSU defeated Bowie State 78-69, claiming second place in the CIAA Northern Division. 

Bowie State got off to an early lead in the first half. The Trojans got into foul trouble early causing VSU to sit both Mike Bynum and Kenny Mitchell in the opening minutes of play. VSU would quell the Bulldog's advantage after Allen Harris nailed a jumper tying it 16-16  at the 10:29 mark. Richard Hall gave the Trojans their first lead of the game 18-16 as he knocked down another jumper. VSU quickly expanded their lead to 21-16 after a three point play from Jacoby Wells. Richard Hall answering the bell again, drained a three from long range to give the Trojans an eight point lead with 8:02 left in the first.  The Trojans scored 15 straight points in the battle for second place to obtain the lead. The Trojans held the Bowie State Bulldogs scoreless for over six minutes half way through the first half while going on a 17-0 run. Richard Hall and John Holleman led VSU with seven points by the break. Allen Harris followed up with five points of his own. Harris scored some key baskets to spark a Trojan run. VSU would lead by four heading into the locker room with a 33-29 advantage.  VSU shot 48% from the field and 38% from the perimeter in the first half.

The Bulldogs cut the Trojans lead to one possession in the opening minutes of the second half. John Holleman in is second consecutive start hit a three to give VSU some breathing room. Alex Jackson followed up with a quick score of his own giving VSU an early 38-31 lead with 18:38 to go. The Bulldogs cut it to two points again, however Kenny Mitchell had other plans. Mitchell rocked the rim to maintain the Trojans slim lead. John Holleman knocked down yet another three-pointer on the following possession to top his career-high.  He finished with 16 points leading all Trojans. The Trojans never trailed the rest of the way, leading by as much as 15 points and topping BSU, 78-69 on the road. 
 
Three other Trojans posted double-figures. Allen Harris finished with 14 points while Mike Bynum and James Vann scored 10 apiece. Defense, was no doubt the story of this game. The Virginia State University men's basketball team held Bowie State that usually averages about 83 points per game to only 69 points. VSU held Bowie State to 35% from the field and 18% (4-22) from three-point range. The Trojans shot 51% from the field, 50% from three-point land, and 70% from the stripe in Wednesday's victory over Bowie State.      
 
The Trojans hope to carry this momentum back to Petersburg, VA. VSU will but heads with the Lions of Lincoln University on February 2nd. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Daniel Gymnasium.