Box Score

By: Reshawn Garnett, VSU Sports Information
Despite Christopher Grier's standout performance with a game-high 22 points with five assists, the Trojans suffered a close 74-69 loss to Bowie State on Wednesday, February 20^th on Senior Night in Daniel Gymnasium.

Six seniors played in their final home game for the Virginia State University men's basketball team. VSU jumped out to a 7-2 early lead over the visiting Bulldogs, as Kenny Mitchell scored from both the perimeter and paint. Despite the Trojans exciting start, Bowie began to slightly pull away as VSU went cold midway through the first half. Bowie State built a 19-15 advantage by the 10:40 mark.  

VSU's John Holleman fed James Vann underneath the basket for a quick score, finally tying the game at 28-28. Mike Bynum hit a quick two in transition and the Trojans were back on top 30-28. Kenny Mitchell expanded the Trojans lead with a crafty layup. Christopher Grier was a consistent source of points for the Trojans in the first half. He helped pace VSU during a cold spot midway through the first with 13 points. Kenny Mitchell followed with 12 points as the Trojans shot 48% from the field at the end of the first half. VSU took a 37-36 lead over Bowie State at the half.   

The game remained close in the second half between the two CIAA Northern Divisional rivals. Both teams shot around 46%, and were about even in the assist and turnover categories during the final half. Bowie State led midway by a slim 55-51 margin. However, the Trojans stayed on their heels. Kenny Mitchell had a slam dunk in transition to keep the crowd in it. Nonetheless, Bowie would eventually build a 62-55 lead.

VSU cut into the deficit, (62-58) after a jumper by DeVonte Williams. Williams kept his team alive down the stretch with key buckets and several precise passes. The Bulldogs stayed aggressive and remained ahead going into the final moments of the game. Kenny Mitchel hammered in a dunk cutting the Bowie State advantage to 71-66 with 8:15 left. Christopher Grier knocked down a three-pointer from the top of the ark giving VSU a glimmer of hope. The score was now 69-71 with 29.7 seconds left in regulation. Foul trouble resurfaced again for the Trojans, allowing Bowie State to add on more points from the free-throw line. That was the dagger. Time was not on the Trojans side, as VSU splits the season series with a 74-69 loss to the Bowie State Bulldogs. 

Christopher Grier led the Trojans in scoring with 22 points. This was Grier's second consecutive game scoring over 20 points. Kenny Mitchell had 19 points with five rebounds. Seniors Mike Bynum, Richard Hall, Jacolby Wells, Kenny Mitchell, Daniel Awosanya, and John Holleman were all recognized prior to the game.