NORFOLK, Va. (November 4, 2017) - The Virginia State University Men's Basketball team wrap up the VSU Day of Rivalries with extraordinary 72-67 win in overtime against the Division I Spartans of Norfolk State University.

The Trojans battled through six lead changes and the four ties to come out on top in their first exhibition game of the 2017-18 season.

Newcomer Brandon Holley (Richmond, VA) led the Trojans in scoring with 19 points. Junior forward Philip Owens, II (Virginia Beach, VA) followed up, recording 11 points. Senior guards and Hampton natives Cyonte Melvin and Trey Brown both contributed 10 points, rounding out the double-digit scoring for the Trojans.

The Spartans were offensively pioneered by Nic Thomas who recorded 15 points. Preston Bungei followed up with 12 points for NSU.

Granberry charged the Trojans defensive effort securing five rebounds and five blocks. Steven Whitley put in the work for the Spartan defense recording eight rebounds. NSU out rebounded VSU 56-40 and was able to dominate in the paint.

The Trojans shot 30 percent (9-30) from the field, 28 percent (4-14) from behind the arc, and 40 percent (2-5) at the line in the first half while the Spartans shot 29 percent (8-27) from the field, 33 percent (4-12) from behind the arc, and 85 percent (6-7) at the line in the first half.

The Trojans secured its first lead 13-15 at the 8:39 mark, on a tip in by Walter Williams. VSU then secured its second lead of the half 19-20 on a basket by Richard Granberry. The teams tied the game 22-22 with 4:00 minutes left in the half. With 55 seconds left, a tip in by Granberry tied the game for the fourth time. A basket by NSU gave the Spartans a 26-24 lead at halftime.

With 2:58 remaining in regulation the Trojans found themselves trailing the Spartans, but VSU maintained their composure and stuck to the game plan. Down three with less than 10 seconds remaining in the game, Owens puts up a three pointer to tie the game.

In overtime, the Spartans held a 62-61 lead after a foul by VSU. With 3:27 left in regulation, the Trojans tied the game for the ninth time on a free throw shot by Melvin. A layup by Melvin with: 45 left gave the Trojans a three-point lead, 69-66. With :07 left, two free throw shots by Trey Brown helped boost the Trojans to a 72-67 victory.

Virginia State ended the night shooting 34.8 percent (23-66) from the field, 36.7 percent (11-30) from behind the arc, and 55.6 percent (15-27) at the line.

Norfolk State ended the night shooting 36.2 percent (21-58) from the field, 25 percent (5-20) from behind the arc, and 87 percent (20-23) at the line.

VSU will return to the court on November 10-11 as they travel to compete in the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Tournament in Indiana, Pa. The Trojans will face the University of Pittsburgh-Johnston on Friday, November 10 at 5:15 p.m. Closing out the classic VSU will play host IUP on Saturday, November 11 with tip-off slated for 7:30 pm.

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