Box Score WHEELING, WV- The No. 6 seed Virginia State University Trojans men's basketball team fell to the No. 2 seed West Liberty in the NCAA DII Atlantic Region Playoffs on March 13 with a final score of 84-74.

After clinching the CIAA Tournament Title and defeating the No. 3 seed Fairmont State in Round 1 of the Playoffs, The Trojans end their 2015-16 season with a 24-6 overall record.

"We had our ups and downs this season, but overall it was a great year," said rookie Cyonte Melvin.

Junior Elijah Moore (Yorktown, VA) led the team with a double-double collecting 26 points and 10 rebounds. Rookie Cyonte Melvin (Hampton, VA) had 12 points while junior Kevin Williams (Franklinton, NC) chipped in 11 points.

For West Liberty, Seger Bonifant led his team with 34 points.

The Trojans shot 46.4 percent (13-28) from the field, 62.5 percent (5-8) from behind the arc, and 83.3 percent (5-6) at the line in the first half. The Hilltoppers shot 40.6 percent (13-32) from the field, 35.2 percent (6-17) from behind the arc, and 83.3 percent (5-6) at the line.

In the first half, West Liberty put up the first 4 points of the game, but senior Javon Moore (Fairfax, VA) checked in with a 3-pointer to start up the Trojans momentum. Junior Melvin Gregory (Weems, VA) gave VSU their first lead of the game with a jumper, followed by Javon Moore with a shot from behind the arc to seal the deal. The teams battle for the lead until the 9 minute mark where Elijah Moore tallied 2 good free throws followed by Cyonte Melvin with a Trojan approved 3-pointer, bringing the score to 24-19.

VSU controlled the half, braking away from West Liberty midway through the first half going on a 13-3 run to lead 32-22 with 4:39 left until halftime. The Hilltoppers rallied back closing the scoring gap and taking the 1-point halftime lead with shot from behind the arc. VSU trailed at the half 37-36.

West Liberty controlled the second half of the game with several unanticipated drives to the basket. The Trojans were working to stay consistent on the court and close the scoring gap. A foul by Cyonte Melvin and an unforeseen technical foul on sophomore Tyler Peterson gave the Hilltoppers additional cushion to hold the lead.

VSU fought hard until the end, but fell short with a final score of 84-74.

The Trojans ended the game shooting 36.1 percent (26-72) from the field, 32 percent (8-25) from behind the arc, and 70 percent (14-20) at the line.

Wrapping up his third season with the Trojans, Head Coach Lonnie Blow, Jr. lived up to the expectations that he put in place for the team. The team not only secured the CIAA Northern Division and Championship Title, advanced to Round 2 of the NCAA Playoffs, stayed engaged in their class work and community outreach, but they also made the Trojan Nation proud!

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