NORFOLK, Va.- The Virginia State University Trojans suffered a 71-32 loss against the Monarchs of Old Dominion University on November 2. The contest was the second of a series of exhibition games the Trojans will play to begin the 2016-17 campaign.

Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. and Assistant Coach Drew Williamson entered familiar territory in the VSU versus ODU matchup. Blow, a former ODU Assistant Coach, and Williamson a former Monarch star athlete and Assistant Coach, were accustomed to the Division 1 set-up.

The Trojans shot 17.9 percent (5-28) from the field, 18.2 percent (2-11) from behind the arc, and 28.6 percent (2-7) at the line in the first half.

The Monarchs shot 48.1 percent (13-27) from the field, 20 percent (1-5) from behind the arc, and 53.8 percent (7-13) at the line in the first half.

Senior Melvin Gregory (Weems, VA) and Sophomore Walter Williams (Richmond, VA) led the Trojans in scoring recording 6 points each. Junior Tyler Peterson (Virginia Beach, VA) led the Trojans defensive effort securing 7 rebounds and a steal.

The Monarchs were offensively led by Zoran Talley who ended the night with 16 points.

In the opening half, Virginia State struggled to find a rhythm offensively, giving the Monarchs an advantage, holding the Trojans to only 14 points. With 9:53 remaining in the first half the Trojans were able to make it a 4 point game as they trailed the Monarchs, 14-10.

The second half would tell the same narrative, as the Trojans worked to fight back.

Although VSU took the 71-32 loss, they were able to add additional top ranked experience to their game plan, as they prepare for their upcoming competitors.  

VSU ended the night shooting 19.2 percent (10-52) from the field, 10 percent (2-20) from behind the arc, and 45.5 percent (10-22) at the line.

ODU ended the night shooting 49.2 percent (29-59) from the field, 27.3 percent (3-11) from behind the arc, and 50 percent (10-20) at the line. The Monarchs controlled the tempo of the game and brought the pressure defensively, ending the night with seven blocks and along with adding 17 points off of turnovers.

The Trojans will take the court on November 5 for a long awaited matchup against the Norfolk State University Spartans. Tip-off between "Big State" and "Little State" is set for 6pm 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.