ETTRICK, Va.- The Virginia State University Trojans battled it out with the Trojans of University of Mount Olive to clinch an 80-68 victory on December 18.

"Got to get this win going into the Christmas break because it spoils your whole Christmas if you don't," expressed Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr.

With the win, the Trojans improve to an 8-3 overall record on the season and 1-1 in the CIAA.

Junior Richard Granberry (Chester, PA) was explosive on the court as he led the charge for the Trojans offensively and defensively recording a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore Walter Williams (Richmond, VA) followed up with an impressive 19 points, 15 of which came from three point territory. Senior Kevin Williams (Franklinton, VA) contributed 17 points and sophomore Cyonte Melvin rounded out the double-digit scoring for the Trojans with 12 points.

The Trojans of UMO were offensively led by Tyler Thomas who recorded 16 points. Tayon Gleaves followed up with 5 points. Arnond Griebe and Saiquan Jamison led the UMO defense collecting 7 rebounds each.

VSU shot 48.3 percent (14-29) from the field, 38.5 percent (5-13) from behind the arc, and 50 percent (4-8) from the line in the first half.

UMO shot 52 percent (13-25) from the field, 50 percent (6-12) from behind the arc, and 0 percent (0-0) from the line in the first half.

Both teams put up a good fight in the opening half. Walter Williams proved to be a strong player for the Trojans, knocking down two shots from behind the arc in the final minutes of the first half. Despite UMO's better shooting, the Trojans were able to grind the half out and take a 37-32 lead into the halftime.

"We had to pick up our defensive intensity," said Coach Blow. "They're a good team and they moved the ball well. We had to get the ball inside a little more offensively and get on the boards offensively as well."

UMO went on a 7-0 run to begin the second half, clinching a 39-37 lead in the process after Deandre Barber hit a three-pointer.

Back to back layups by Kevin Williams put VSU back in the driver's seat. With 8:43 remaining in the game, a trip to the line by Griebe gave UMO the lead.

On the very next VSU possession, Melvin scored at the rim to give VSU a one point advantage. Still in striking distance with 6:08 left on the game clock, UMO was able to tie the game up at 60-all, but Melvin quickly scored on a layup, giving the Trojans momentum and the lead.

The matchup between Trojans was an all-out dog fight from start to finish, but the VSU Trojans managed to pull away in the final minutes of the game after back to back trips to the line ignited an 8-0 VSU run.

With 40 seconds remaining in the game the Trojans saw their largest lead of the night up by 13.

The Trojans ended the night shooting 51.9 percent (27-52) from the field, 42.9 percent (9-21) from behind the arc, and 65.4 percent (17-26) at the line. UMO shot 49.1 percent (27-55) from the field, 52.6 percent (10-19) from behind the arc, and 66.7 percent (4-6) at the line tonight.

The Trojans will be back in action on December 30 to take on King University. Tip-off is set for 7pm in Bristol, TN.

VSU will 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.