Box Score

By: Reshawn Garnett, VSU Sports Information Intern
 
VSU held onto the momentum for majority of the game but a late turnover sealed their fate in a 62-61 loss to VUU on Saturday, February 9th. The Trojans split the season series with the Panthers but drop to 5-7 in CIAA conference play.
 
VSU got off to a 12-8 early lead thanks to a tenacious scoring performance in the opening minutes of the game. Kenny Mitchell scored the Trojan's first points of the evening with a silky smooth hook shot. Mitchell had seven points after the first 20 minutes of play helping the Trojans maintain the advantage for most of first half. John Holleman scored some key baskets pacing VSU with 12 points in the first half. Mike Bynum hit some key three-pointers in the first half expanding the Trojan's lead. VSU shot a confident 58 % from the field in the first half of play. The Trojans took a 37-31 advantage by the break.  VSU established there big men in the paint early a big reason the Trojans were able to dominate in the first half. 
 
Virginia State's lead continued to increase early in the second half. Alex Jackson and Kenny Mitchell respectively scored the Trojan's first two baskets of the second half. Kenny Mitchell ended up with a game-high 15 points at the end of regulation.  VUU made it interesting down the stretch cutting VSU's advantage to 57-55 late in the game. Virginia Union managed to hold VSU to four points late in the second half.  Mike Bynum, an 84% foul shooter added two points from the strip to stop the bleeding, giving VSU a 59-55 lead with 2:46 left. Virginia Union then tied the game at 59 all, after a clutch three pointer from VUU's Ken Pankey.
 
VSU's Allen Harris knocked down both free-throws with under two minutes left to give the Trojans a slim 61-59 advantage on the following possession. Then VUU's Micheal Wynn hit the game winning three-pointer giving the Panthers a 62-61 victory.
 
In addition to Kenny Mitchell, two more Trojans netted double figures. John Holleman finished with 12 points and led all Trojans with six rebounds, while Allen Harris scored a dimes worth of points. The Trojans went cold late in the second. They were held scoreless for about eight minutes. The Trojan's high of 58% shooting dropped to a low 38% from the field in the second half of play. Nonetheless, it was business as usual form the perimeter for VSU. Virginia State netted about 40% of their perimeter shots; compared to last week's woeful 18% shooting from three point land against Lincoln University.  
 
VSU will tangle with non-conference opponent Barber Scotia College in Petersburg VA. Tip off is scheduled for 4:00pm in Daniels Gymnasium.