YOUNG HARRIS, Ga.- The Virginia State University men's basketball team fell to the no. 24 Young Harris College Mountain Lions on November 19 with a close final score of 83-80. Despite the loss, the Trojans played hard, showing how much talent and depth is on the VSU roster.
 
"This is the hardest I have seen this team play," stated head coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. "The guys really took to the court and showed how talented they really are. After winning in overtime last night and traveling down the road to prepare for this game, the guys really showed up to take on the no. 24 Young Harris."
 
The Trojans were led by junior Richard Granberry with 20 points. Securing 13 points each and rounding out the double digit scoring were senior Elijah Moore and junior Waymond Wright.
 
Playing hard in the first half, VSU was able to fight and hold the lead. The scoring gap remained close until senior Amiel Terry landed a shot from behind the arc to take the Trojans to a 35-28 lead. With a little under 2:00 left until halftime, Kevin Williams gave VSU their largest lead of the with a 3 point shot. The Mountain Lions attempted to bounce back, but the Trojans took the 41-40 lead into halftime.
 
The second half started out in favor of Young Harris, as the Trojans continued to apply pressure to the host's offense. Waymond Wright pushed the Trojans ahead with a 3 point lead, 63-60, with 9:57 left in regulation. The Trojans continued to work hard through the final seconds of the game, but fell short, 83-80.
 
The Trojans dominated the Mountain Lion's court in 2^nd chance points (18-17), bench points (24-13) and points in the paint (45-29).
 
VSU outshined the YHC in field goals and 3 point shots. The Trojans ended the night shooting 55.2 percent (32-58) from the field, 60 percent (6-10) from behind the arc, and 52.6 percent (10-19) at the line, while the Mountain Lions ended the night shooting 46.7 percent (28-60) from the field, 20 percent (3-15) from behind the arc, and 70.6 percent (24-34) at the line.
 
The Trojans will return to the Land of Troy to play on their home court on Tuesday, November 22. Tip-off against Bluefield State is set for 7pm.
 
VSU is working hard to prepare for the 2017 CIAA Basketball Tournament on February 20-25 in Charlotte. NC.
 
For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.