ETTRICK, Va.- The Virginia State University men's basketball fell short of a win against the Falcons of St. Augustine's University with a final score of 64-58. This was the first conference game of the 2016-17 season for both teams.

The loss moved VSU to a 6-3 overall record, while the SAU improved to a 6-5 overall record.

The Trojans were led by senior Kevin Williams and junior Richard Granberry, each collecting 15 points. Granberry also took control of the rebounds for the Trojans, recovering 11. Rounding out the double digit scoring for VSU was senior Elijah Moore with 11 points.

It was a slow run for the Trojans in the first half, as they took their time to find a rhythm. Despite the Falcons starting the game off with a shot from behind the arc to give them an edge, Kevin Williams answered back with a 3 pointer to give VSU a brief 7-5 lead. Both teams toggled back and forth for the lead, until SAU pulled ahead with 8:55 left in the half. A 3-pointer by sophomore Cyonte Melvin and a dunk by Granberry helped put the Trojans back in action. Kevin Williams gave VSU a boost with a shot from behind the arc to break the 18-18 tie at 2:37 left before halftime. The Trojans held on, making much needed baskets to hold the lead. SAU found an opening with 4 seconds on the clock to tie the game 23-23 into halftime.

The second half mimicked the first, as VSU worked to control the tempo of the game. Several unexpected calls from the referees ruled in favor of SAU, giving them free throw advantage. The Falcons leading scorer and rebounder landed 10 of his 15 free throw shots during the matchup. VSU put up a fight, but fell behind with 8:44 left in regulation. They were not able to recover, taking a 64-58 loss.

The Trojans overpowered the Falcons in points off of turnovers (15-11) and second chance points (13-5).

VSU ended the night shooting 35.7 percent (20-56) from the field, 21.1 percent (4-19) from behind the arc, and 58.3 percent (14-24) at the line, while SAU ended the night shooting 46.5 percent (20-43) from the field, 36.4 percent (4-11) from behind the arc, and 64.5 percent (20-31) at the line.

The Trojans will play their second conference game of the season on December 15. Tip-off against the Fayetteville State Broncos is set for 7:30pm in the VSU Multipurpose Center.

VSU regroup and continue to work hard in preparation 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.