ETTRICK, Va.- The Virginia State University Trojans men's basketball team came out on top with a 73-59 victory over the Broncos of Fayetteville State University on December 15. Both teams were predicted to finish first in their CIAA divisions during the preseason.

With the win, the Trojans improve to a 7-3 overall record and 1-1 in the CIAA. The Broncos move to 4-6 overall record on the season, 0-2 in conference.

Junior Richard Granberry (Chester, PA) led the Trojans on both ends, recording a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Senior Elijah Moore (Yorktown, VA) followed up with 13 points. Senior Kevin Williams (Franklinton, NC) contributed 12 points, and Junior Waymond Wright (Raleigh, NC) rounded out the double-digit scoring for the Trojans with 11 points.

Isaiah Vinson led the Broncos offensively recording 13 points. The Broncos defensive efforts were fueled by William Tibbs who recorded 8 rebounds.

In the first half, the Trojans shot 48.3 percent (14-29) from the field, 25 percent (2-8) from behind the arc, and 58.3 percent (7-12) at the line. The Broncos shot 37 percent (10-27) from the field, 22.2 percent (2-9) from behind the arc, and 75 percent (6-8) at the line.

Back to back baskets by Moore and a quick layup from Granberry in the opening minutes of the contest gave the Trojans an early 11-3 lead as the Broncos struggled to find a rhythm offensively.

"I thought we got off to a good start both halves," shared Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. "We were able to maintain a lead. Good win for us, but we still have to work hard on improving each day."

The Broncos charged a timeout with 16:09 remaining in the first half as Carl McCray knocked down a shot from behind the arc to cut the FSU deficit to 5 points (11-6). Shortly after, the Broncos went on a 7-0 run highlighted by Donte Reynold's jumper giving FSU their only lead of the night up 14-13 with 12:50 remaining in the opening half. Junior Waymond Wright answered back with a jump shot of his own to put the Trojans back in front.

Both teams battled back and forth for the remainder of the opening half, as FSU fought to stay within striking distance of VSU. However, the Trojans ended the half on an 8-0 run after Junior Trey Brown (Hampton, VA) hit a jumper in the last seconds to send VSU into the half with a 37-28 lead over FSU.

The Trojans and Broncos exchanged baskets to open the second half, but with 16:31 remaining in the game both teams endured a scoreless three minutes of basketball. VSU Senior Amiel Terry (Annandale, VA) ended the dry spell, getting to the rim for a layup giving the Trojans a 44-33 advantage.

FSU continued to fight back, and with 8:45 remaining in the game a 3 point shot by Isaiah Vinson brought the Broncos within 6.

The Trojans maintained their composure and were able to maintain control of the game. With 8:14 remaining on the game clock, the Trojans went on a 13-0 run giving VSU their largest lead of the game up by 19 with 4:30 left. Eight of those points came from Kevin Williams as he began to find his rhythm on the offensive end.

FSU put up a fight, but after two technical fouls and a flagrant they couldn't dig themselves out of the hole. The Trojans ended the night with a series of trips to the line before claiming the 73-59 victory.

VSU ended the night shooting 42.1 percent (24-57) from the field, 26.7 percent (4-15) from behind the arc, and 55.3 percent (21-38) at the line.

FSU ended the nigh shooting 37.3 percent (19-51) from the field, 20 percent (3-15) from behind the arc, and 78.3 percent (18-23) at the line.

The Trojans will be back in action on Sunday December 18 at 4:30 P.M. as they take on the Trojans of University of Mount Olive at home.