Richmond, VA- The Virginia State University Trojans defeated the Panthers of Virginia Union University, 74-59, clinching the 2017 Freedom Classic win and handing VUU its first conference loss.

The Trojans are currently on a seven game winning streak after the January 15 victory. The win moves VSU to a 13-3 overall record, 5-1 in the CIAA. The Panthers drop to 12-5 overall, 4-1 in the CIAA.

"I thought we played well," said Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. "We were consistent in our effort and consistent in our execution."

Senior Kevin Williams not only led the charge for the Trojans offensively but was the game leading scorer, recording 20 points. Junior Trey Brown stepped in bigtime for VSU, recording his season high of 16 points. Junior Richard Granberry recorded a double-double securing 11 points and 11 rebounds.

The Panthers were offensively led by Ray Anderson who recorded 14 points, while John Mitchell led the defensive effort with 6 rebounds.

The Trojans won the battle down in the paint, outscoring VUU 36-22. VSU limited their turnovers and were able to capitalize off of second chance points to come away with the win.

Both teams missed their first couple of shots before settling into a rhythm offensively. A jumper by James Paige gave VUU its largest lead of the game up by 6 points. The advantage was short lived for the Panthers as there was a lot of basketball left to be played. Moments later Granberry sent the crowd into a frenzy, slamming one down to tie the game at 15-all with 9:52 remaining in the opening half.  The Trojans built on that momentum going on a 20-1 run to take a 29-16 lead.

A 3 pointer by VUU's James Paige ended the scoring drought and kept the Panthers in striking distance, but VSU would carry a ten point advantage into halftime, 33-23.

VUU continued to fight and were able to cut their deficit in half after a layup by Anderson with 15:12 remaining in the second half. Sophomore Walter Williams answered right back with a layup, followed by baskets from Brown and Kevin Williams. A three-pointer by Brown at the 12:52 mark pushed the Trojans back to a 14 point lead.

The Panthers attempted to bounce back, but were unable to overcome the shift in momentum, trailing VSU for the remainder of the contest.

VSU ended the night shooting 54.5% (30-55) from the field, 40% (4-10) from behind the arc, and 52.6% (10-19) at the line, while VUU shot 38.9% (21-54) from the field, 28.6% (4-14) from behind the arc, and 56.5% (13-23) at the line.

VSU will continue to work hard to prepare 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.