RALEIGH, N.C. (December 14, 2017) – The Trojans men's basketball team of Virginia State University suffered a tough 73-66 loss to the Falcons of Saint Augustine's in their Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association(CIAA) opener at Emery Gymnasium. With the victory the Falcons improves to a 3-8 record, while Virginia State moves to a 7-1 record.

The Trojans, scoring the opening basket of the game to take a 3-2 lead with 17:05 left in the first half of the contest. The Falcons answered by adding three points to take their first lead of the contest. At 12:56 left in the half, the Trojans tied the game on a jumper by Richard Granberry making the score eight all. The Trojans secured the lead for the next nine minutes before the Falcons took a 23-22 lead. Virginia State continued to fight only trailing by one at the half (28-27).

Philip Owens (Virginia Beach, Va.) led the way offensively for the Trojans in the half, shooting perfectly 3-for-3 from the field and 3-for-3 from the three point line. Owens finished the contest with 17 points and two assists.
 
The Trojans' returned to the court to make plays in the second half, as they tied the game at the 16:34 left in the content with Waymond Wright securing a three-pointer. The Falcons continue to add points to the board, adding eight points over the next three minutes to extend their lead in the second half. Philip Owens and Brandon Holley both added eight points each in hopes to give VSU the win.
 
Brandon Holley added 11 points and one assist, while Cyonte Melvin went for 12 points on 3-of-10 shots while posting three rebounds of his own. Senior Waymond Wright ended the contest contributing seven points. The Trojans added 39 points in the second half in hopes to secure the victory, shooting 40.7 percent from the 3-point line for the night.  
 

Kasey Bryant led the Falcons of St. Augustine's with 16 points, including two three-pointer, followed by Quinton Morrow who contributed 13 points.

 
UP NEXT: The Trojans will travel to face the Broncos of Fayetteville State University on Saturday, December 14, 2017. Tip-off is slated for 4 p.m.

For the most up-to-date information on VSU men's basketball, please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.