Box Score Ettrick, VA- The Virginia State University men's basketball team overpowered the Blues of Bluefield State College on November 22, with a final score of 74-49.

The win moved the Trojans to a 4-2 overall record on the season as they await to enter conference play in three weeks.

"We had a tough weekend down in Georgia," shared Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. "We played twice in a 24 hour span. We needed a game like tonight."

Senior Forward Elijah Moore (Yorktown, VA) had an explosive night leading the Trojans offensively and defensively, recording 18 points and 13 rebounds. Junior Forward Richard Granberry (Chester, PA) contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds.

Bluefield State College was offensively led by Julian Hernandez who led all scorers in the contest with 19 points.

The Blues were defensively led by Hernandez and Greg Purnell who each secured five rebounds.

Granberry got the Trojans off to an early lead scoring 6 of the Trojans first eight points. Setting the tone in the opening minutes of the contest, Granberry assisted Moore on delivering a poster dunk.

Coach Blow went to his bench with over 9 minutes remaining in the first half to gain key buckets for the Trojans. Blow would keep a similar lineup majority of the second half to give his starters a rest.

The Trojans shot 46.9 percent (15-32) from the field, 37.5 percent (3-8) from behind the arc, and 22.2 percent (2-9) at the line in the first half while the Blues shot 18.5 percent (5-27) from the field, 20 percent (2-10) from behind the arc, and 66.7 percent (6-9) at the line in the first half.


In the final minute of the contest true freshman Andrew Corum (Leesburg, VA) put the nail in the coffin with back to back baskets for the Trojans. With 34 seconds remaining on the game clock the Trojans saw their largest lead of the contest as they held on to a 27 point advantage.

Despite the win, VSU struggled at the line in the matchup against Bluefield State, but Coach Blow is confident that the Trojans will overcome the challenge.

"We have good shooters, it's a mental thing," said Coach Blow. "I know it will come around. It's just one of those things we have to continue to focus and work on."

The Trojans continue to dominate their opponents in the paint and as tonights contest told the same story with VSU outscoring BSC, 34-18, in the paint. The Blues were outsized as the Trojan bigs were able to assist VSU to a 17 point lead in the first half (35-18).

Virginia State rounded out the night shooting 49.2 percent (30-61) from the field, 30.8 percent (4-13) from behind the arc, and 50 percent (10-20) at the line.

Bluefield State ended the night shooting 31.4 percent (16-51) from the field, 23.8 percent (5-21) from behind the arc, and 80 percent (12-15) at the line.

The Trojans will travel to Mars Hill, NC on November 26 to take on the Lions of Mars Hill University. Tip-off is set for 2pm.

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.