Box Score Ettrick, VA- The Virginia State University Men's Basketball team defeated the Builders of Newport News Apprentice School on November 15, 88-65. The contest was the Trojans third home game in the last five days.

The win moves the Trojans to a 2-1 overall record.

Virginia State ended the contest with three players in double-digit scoring. The Trojans were offensively pioneered by sophomore guard Cyonte Melvin (Hampton, VA) who recorded 15 points. Junior Forward Richard Granberry (Chester, PA) followed up with 13 points and senior guard Kevin Williams (Franklinton, NC) rounded out the double-digit scoring contributing 12 points.
Melvin would also prove to be explosive for the Trojans on the defensive end, securing 8 rebounds.

Both teams relied heavily on their bench players to add depth to the court.

"The strength is in our numbers," said Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. "We have a lot of guys that can come in and contribute on the offensive end and defensive end. We try to use our depth as much as we can. That's our strong suit."

Willie Wilcox led the Builders in scoring ending the night with 16 points. Zach Johnson followed up with 13 points.

The Builders were defensively fueled by Zach Johnson who secured 5 rebounds.

The Trojans shot 48.1 percent (13-27) from the field, 27.3 percent (3-11) from behind the arc, and 73.9 percent (17-23) at the line in the first half while the Builders shot 46.2 percent (6-13) from the field, 0 percent (0-5) from behind the arc, and 100 percent (2-2) at the line in the first half.

The Trojans grasped a 29 point lead, the largest lead of the night, with 8:24 left in regulation. Despite the large scoring gap, the Builders continued to fight and were able to get a few stops defensively.

 VSU ended the night shooting 51.9 percent (27-52) from the field, 38.1 percent (8-21) from behind the arc, and 72.2 percent (26-36) at the line.

The Builders ended the night shooting 53.8 percent (21-39) from the field, 12.5 percent (1-8) from behind the arc, and 70.6 percent (12-17) at the line.

The Trojans will take their talent to Marietta, GA on November 18 to take on Life University. Tip-off is set for 5pm.

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