RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia State University did it for the second year in a row as they defeated the Panthers of Virginia Union at the 2014 Freedom Classic on Sunday, January 19 at the Richmond Coliseum. The final score was 59-53. This was a very exciting moment for the Trojans as Rector Harry Black, President Keith T. Miller, Athletic Director Peggy Davis along with Coach Lonnie Blow and his team accepted the trophy. In 2013, the Trojans defeated the Panthers 70-65.

VSU lead the game the entire night. The Trojans shot 33.3-percent from the field goal and 35.3-percent behind the arc giving them the edge they needed while VUU shot 26.4-percent from the field goal and 7.1-percent behind the arc. The Panthers did outshoot the Trojans from the free throw line with 58.5-percent while the Trojans had 54.8-percent. Of the five Trojans that were in double digits, Kevin Wiggins secured a double-double with 10 points and 18 rebounds. Other top scorers were Christopher Grier, Lamar Kearse and Allen Harris with 10 points each and Kahlil Tate with 12 points. Harris followed Wiggins with seven rebounds. The Trojans that came off the beached outscored the Panthers bench 25-13. The VSU Trojans also out rebound the VUU Panthers 58-36.

The home team dominated the first half of the game. Tatae's three pointer, assisted by Kearse, got the Trojans on the board early in the game. Five minutes in the game the Trojans were leading 12-4 and did not give the Panthers the opportunity until 9:56 on the clock to come within seven points. That was the last time that VUU was able to come close to VSU as Elijah Moore maked a lay-up and Grier came right behind him and made a three pointer. By the close of the first half, the Trojans went into the locker room optimistic, leading by 16 points for a 36-20 half time score.

The second half started slow for both teams. It was not until Omar Briggs was fouled by Terry allowing the Panthers to make the first point in the second half. With 7:20 left in the game, the Panthers made a hard attempt and came within six points of the Trojans. The Panthers outscored the Trojans making 8-30 field goals and 17-28 free throws. Leading the Panthers in points were Omar Briggs (17) and Avery Jirmnson (22). It was not enough to defeat the Trojans. VSU ended the 2014 Freedom Classic with a 59-53 win.

The Trojans will be on the road on Wednesday, January 22 as they travel to Murfreesboro, NC to play the Hawks of Chowan at 7:30pm.