Winston-Salem, NC - The VSU Trojans men's basketball team surpassed the Rams of Winston-Salem State University with a final score of 84-66.The January 5 victory gave the Trojans a strong start to the year 2017 and moved their overall record to 10-3, 2-1 in the conference.

VSU found leadership in senior Elijah Moore, as he secured 19 points and 12 rebounds over the Rams. Senior Richard Granberry was not too far behind with 17 points, while junior Ken Woodard tallied 14 points. Maintaining their team effort, sophomore Walter Williams chipped in 12 points while senior Kevin Williams rounded out the double digit scoring with 10 points.

The Rams were led by their team's leading scorer William Crandell, who secured 20 points. WSSU's Ameer Jackson gained 12 points while JT Wilson grasped 8 rebounds.

A steady start to the half for both teams was quickly interrupt by a dunk from Walter Williams, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. The Trojans and the Rams toggled back and forth for the lead, ruling in favor of the home team. Walter Williams would come through again for the Trojans, this time adding a 3 point shot to the books to give VSU a 11-10 lead at 13:23. VSU maintained their lead, expanding the scoring gap. A fast break shot from behind the arc by Moore with 1:50 left in the half, moved the Trojans into a 39-27 double-digit lead. Kevin Williams gave VSU their last buckets of the half with back to back 3-pointers. Going into halftime, VSU had a 45-30 lead over WSSU.

Missed shots and turnovers were downfalls for both teams in the second half. The Trojans worked the court, keeping the Rams at a distance. Sophomore Cyonte Melvin took charge of a fast break play with 8:47 left in regulation, jamming in a dunk to give VSU a 69-45 lead. Capitalizing off of the Rams errors, VSU gained numerous points from the line to hold their lead. Junior Brice Rowe gave VSU their last bucket of the contest with a dunk at 0:43 left on the clock. VSU claimed their first 2017 victory with a score of 84-66.

The Trojans had an edge on the Rams with points in the paint (44-32) and fast break points (11-2).

VSU ended the night shooting 49.2 percent (32-65) from the field, 31.8 percent (7-22) from behind the arc, and 59.1 percent (13-22) at the line, while WSSU ended the night shooting 34.4 percent (22-64) from the field, 23.5 percent (4-17) from behind the arc, and 60 percent (18-30) at the line.

The Trojans will take on the Blue Bears of Livingstone College on January 7.  Tip-off is set for 4pm in Salisbury, NC.

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.