Box Score RICHMOND, Va.- The VSU Trojans men's basketball team took their first conference loss of the season to I-95 rivals, Virginia Union University, during the 2016 Freedom Classic on January 17. The final score of the night was 70-68.

The fall moves the Trojans to an 11-4 overall record, 6-1 in the conference while the Panthers hold a 9-9 overall record, 2-4 in the CIAA.

VSU ended the night shooting 42.6 percent (26-61) from the field, 28.6 percent (6-21) from behind the arc, and 47.6 percent (10-21) at the line. 

Junior guard Kevin Williams (Franklinton, VA) led the Trojans with 20 points while All-CIAA Preseason Pick junior forward Elijah Moore (Yorktown, VA) was close behind with 19 points. Moore led the team in rebounds, jumping up for 9 recoveries.

After making the first 7 points of the game, VSU kept a steady pace on the court as they held the lead in the first half. The Panthers began to gain momentum as halftime approached, but the Trojans held on to their 34-31 lead as they entered the locker room for halftime.

VSU had a slow run in the second half as the Panthers took the lead. Both teams had several turnovers and missed shots as the clock ran down. In the end, VSU was not able to bounce back with a 70-68 loss.

The Trojans will be back in action on Wednesday, January 20 to take on the Hawks of Chowan University in Murfreesboro, NC. Tip-off is set for 7:30pm.

The Virginia State Department of Athletics annual 1,000 cans, 1 goal campaign initiative is underway. The canned food items collected will be donated to the local food banks. The Department encourages all fans, alumni, faculty and friends to bring a canned food item to all of the home basketball games this season.

For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.