Box Score WHEELING, WV- The Virginia State University Trojans defeat the No.3 seed, the Falcons of Fairmont State University, with a final score of 76 -66. The win advances the team to the next round of NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Playoffs. A Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) team has not progressed to the second round of the playoffs since Shaw University did in 2012 .
 
"I thought we played hard and competed at a high level," said Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. "I was concerned about how we would start the game since we hadn't played a game in two weeks. Especially after coming off of a Championship and having to get the guys grounded again."
 
The Trojans were offensively led by junior guard Kevin Williams (Franklinton, NC) who recorded 16 points. Senior guard Javon Moore (Fairfax, VA) followed up with 13 points. Freshman guard Cyonte Melvin (Hampton, VA) and junior forward Elijah Moore (Yorktown, VA) each contributed 12 points. Elijah Moore and Javon Moore fueled the Trojans defense recording nine rebounds each.
 
Matt Bingaya led the Falcons offense recording 16 points and Jamel Morris contributed 12 points. The Falcons were defensively led by Wimbush who recorded 8 rebounds.
 
The Trojans shot 40.6 percent (13-32) from the field, 30 percent (3-10) from behind the arc, and 66.7 percent (4-6) at the line in the first half. The Falcons shot 33.3 percent (9-27) from the field, 28.6 percent (4-14) from behind the arc, and 83.3 percent (5-6) at the line.
 
"We knew our defense is the key to winning the game. We had to lock down all of their shooters," expressed Javon Moore.
 
With just over two minutes remaining in the opening half Javon Moore knocked down a shot from behind the arc sparking up an 11-0 Virginia State run with 3:16 remaining in the first half. However, the Falcons continued to battle back and were able to chip away at the lead with a trip to the line and a big 3 point shot by Bingaya with 3 seconds left until the half. VSU would enter the half holding a 33 -27 lead over Fairmont.
 
The contest endured two lead changes and two ties. Fairmont would see their only lead of the contest early in the second half after a 3 point shot by Morris. Shortly after Kevin Williams linked up with rookie Joseph Bradshaw (Silver Springs, MD) to lift the Trojans over Fairmont, 37-36.

At the 4:18 mark, Melvin got to the basket for a quick layup and came right back up the floor for an explosive dunk to send the crowd into an uproar. "Are you going to get that on a poster," WVST 91.3's John Emmett asked Melvin during the post-game press conference.
 
Melvin said, "We have a lot of pieces on the team and any day could be anyone's day."
 
With 1:47 remaining in the game, Virginia State led the Falcons by 10 points, but the Falcons continued to fight and were able to chip away at the lead bringing them within four points, 68-64.
 
Fairmont State began to press, but the Trojans were able to move the ball leaving Kevin Williams free to score two quick back to back layups. Davis answered back to keep Fairmont within four. The Falcons then charged a 30 sec timeout with 59 seconds remaining in the game.
 
Out of the timeout, the Trojans went on a 6-0 run to end the game and seal the deal on the victory. Virginia State shot 55.6 percent from the field to Fairmont's 40 percent in the second half. The Trojans outscored the Falcons 24-18 in the paint and 16-6 off of fast breaks.
 
"You got to congratulate Virginia State," said Fairmont's head coach.  "I thought they played really hard and their length gave us many problems. It's the NCAA tournament you got to win or go home."
 
The Trojans ended the game shooting 47.5 percent (28-59) from the field, 31.3 percent (5-16) from behind the arc, and 75 percent (15-20) at the line.
 
Fairmont shot 47.5 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from behind the arc, and 75 percent at the line.
 
VSU will take on No.2 seed West Liberty University on Sunday, March 13 at 5pm on the campus of No. 1 seed host Wheeling Jesuit University.

For more information on VSU Trojans men's basketball, Follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @vsusports, or call 804-524-5030