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Box Score 2 ETTRICK, Va. – The VSU Trojan men's basketball team hosted the 2016 McDonald's Trojan Tip-Off on November 11-12 at the VSU Multipurpose Center. Under the leadership of VSU 4
th year head coach Lonnie Blow, the Trojans rounded out the event with a 1-1 record.
VSU took down California University of PA (Cal. PA) on day 1 with a score of 78-53, but fell short in a 1 point game to Mansfield, 49-48.
Junior
Brice Rowe and junior transfer
Richard Granberry each collected 11 points for the Trojans. Rounding out the double digit scoring over Cal. PA was sophomore
Walter Williams with 10 points. Junior
Trey Brown dominated the court, collecting 8 rebounds.
The Trojans had no hesitations taking charge of the game early. A dunk by
Walter Williams on a fast break gave VSU a 15-6 lead. Senior
Amiel Terry quickly moved the Trojans into a double digit lead with a layup. Cal. PA fought to close the score gap, but 3 consecutive baskets by Brown, senior
Melvin Gregory and sophomore
Cyonte Melvin added a much need 8 points to push the Trojans ahead. The Trojans went into halftime with a solid 40-24 lead.
VSU kept the crowd on their feet, securing bucket after bucket. Rowe took the Trojans into a 30 point lead after a shot from behind the arc with 6:57 left in the game. Cal. PA attempted to bounce back with a final second 3 pointer, but gave the Trojans a 25 point win.
Virginia State ended the night shooting 48.3 percent (29-60) from the field, 27.3 percent (6-22) from behind the arc, and 66.7 percent (14-21) at the line, while Cal. PA shot for 33.3 percent (19-57) from the field, 45.0 percent (7-20) from behind the arc, and 40.0 percent (8-20) at the line.
On day 2, VSU fought hard and came close to Mansfield, but was unsuccessful in the final seconds.
The Trojans were led by All-CIAA Preseason senior picks;
Kevin Williams with 16 points and
Elijah Moore with 10 points. Granberry was consistent under the basket with 10 rebounds while
Kevin Williams collected 2 steals.
Mansfield took an early lead over VSU, capitalizing off of rebounds and missed shots. A jumper from
Kevin Williams put VSU within 1 point of a tie, 11-10, but Mansfield extended their lead into halftime with a score of 32-20 over VSU.
A shot from behind the arc by junior
Waymond Wright and a dunk by Granberry, kicked the Trojans game into high gear for the second half. Every second counted as VSU closed the scoring gap to eventually take the 45-42 lead over Mansfield with a 3 pointer by Moore. A foul and counted shot for
Kevin Williams sent him to the line with 3:38 left in the game. Securing the bucket, the Trojans had a 6 point lead over Mansfield. Baskets in the paint and a foul shot closed the scoring gap with VSU leading, 48-47. Mansfield took possession of the ball with 12 seconds left in regulation; enough time for them to secure a layup and take the game.
Virginia State ended the night shooting 31.7 percent (19-60) from the field, 26.9 percent (7-26) from behind the arc, and 25.0 percent (3-12) at the line, while Mansfield shot for 36.0 percent (18-50) from the field, 16.7 percent (2-12) from behind the arc, and 68.8 percent (11-16) at the line.
The Trojans will return to the court against the Builders of the Newport News Apprentice School on November 15. Game time is set for 7pm at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.
