Box Score MURFREESBORO, NC- The Virginia State University men's basketball team tarnished the Chowan University Hawks perfect CIAA conference record with a 75-70 win on January 20.
The victory elevates the Trojans to a 12-4 record on the season, 7-1 in the CIAA while the Hawks fall to a 14-4 overall record, 7-1 in the conference.
VSU rounded out the night shooting 39.1 percent (25-64) from the field, 25.0 percent (3-12) from behind the arc and 68.8 percent (11-16) from the free throw line.
Junior and All-CIAA Preseason Pick
Elijah Moore (Yorktown, VA) secured his first double-double of the season, leading the game with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Junior
Kevin Williams (Franklinton, NC) tallied 16 points for the Trojans while junior
Melvin Gregory (Weems, VA) rounded out the double-digit scoring for VSU with 15 points.
Gregory started the game off strong for the Trojans, sinking the first basket of the matchup with a shot from behind the arc. Two layups would give the Hawks a small lead, but VSU would answer back claimed the lead with a three-pointer by Moore. The Trojans worked together maintaining their lead into halftime with a score of 46-34.
VSU held the Hawks to a double-digit scoring gap early in the second half. Chowan attempted to bounce back taking advantage of jumpers and layups. The Hawks began to gain momentum, coming within 2 points (70-68) of the Trojans with 1:30 left in the game. VSU regained control of the game after being sent to the line for the final seconds of the game. The Trojans took advantage of the baskets to take the 75-70 win.
After taking a conference fall on January 17, the Trojans win over the CIAA's undefeated Chowan Hawks moves VSU up in the CIAA Northern Division ranking.
The Trojans will return home to Daniel Gymnasium to take on the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University on Saturday, January 23 for Military Appreciation Day. Tip-off is set for 4pm.
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.
