Ettrick, VA- The Virginia State University men's basketball team improved to an eight game winning streak after defeating the Hawks of Chowan University 80-54 on January 18.

Junior Richard Granberry led the Trojans offensively and defensively ending the night just shy of a double-double recording 18 points and 9 rebounds. Sophomore Walter Williams followed up, recording 17 points.

The Hawks were offensively led by Jeremy Smith who recorded 10 points. Smith and Warren Powers led the Hawks defensive effort with 4 rebounds each.

"Day in and day out we focus on defense first," shared Walter Williams. "We know that if we get stops, the offense will take care of itself."

VSU moved the ball well and shot the ball even better. The Trojans were 58.8% from the field in the first half, while the Hawks shot 34.6%.

Senior Elijah Moore initiated the scoring for the Trojans, hitting a three pointer to put the Trojans on the scoreboard first. Sophomore Walter Williams knocked down a three on the next VSU possession, followed by a three pointer by Moore giving VSU the 9-2. The Trojans had the hot hand from three point range in the first half shooting 60% from behind the arc.

VSU held a 49-23 lead over Chowan at the end of the first half.

Chowan continued to fight back, but could not find a rhythm offensively and didn't have an answer for the Trojans on the defensive end.

The VSU Multipurpose Center went crazy after sophomore Cyonte Melvin delivered a poster dunk, knocking down his defender to give VSU a 63-40 lead over Chowan.

"I saw the lane open up and I gave it a try," explained Cyonte Melvin. "We were going to play hard tonight regardless."

In the final minutes of the game, Robert Grubbs made a series of three pointers for the Hawks to give them some life, but it would not be enough to recover.

VSU ended the night shooting 57.6% (34-59) from the field, 50% (8-16) from behind the arc, and 40% (4-10) at the line, while CU shot 38% (19-50) from the field, 43.8 % (7-16) from behind the arc, and 69.2% (9-13) at the line.

Working hard to revisit the winners circle, the Trojans will continue to prepare for the 2017 CIAA Basketball Tournament on February 21-25 in Charlotte. NC.

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