Ettrick, VA- The Virginia State University men's basketball team defeated Shaw University 75-69 on February 1 , moving the Trojans to a 12 game winning streak.

The Trojans improve to an 18-3 overall record, 10-1 in the CIAA.

"Really good win for us," shared Head Coach Lonnie Blow Jr. "It's a character win for us. Close games like this give us the chance to play under pressure, but at the end of the day it's about winning."

Senior Elijah Moore led the charge for the Trojans offensively, recording 21 points. Junior Richard Granberry followed up recording 18 points and led the defensive effort with 9 rebounds just shy of a double-double.

"We kept our focus on defense," said Moore. "Every team is going to play their best against us."

The Bears were offensively led by Joshua Cassidy who recorded 21 points. DeAn Stephens-Bell and Russell Robinson led the Bears defensive effort with 6 rebounds each.

Joshua Cassady opened up the game for the Bears scoring inside on Shaw's first possession, but Elijah Moore answered right back with a 3 pointer to give VSU a 3-2 edge. Both teams exchanged baskets until the 10:14 mark, when a layup by Granberry initiated a 10-1 run by the Trojans to take a 25-17 lead with 7:21 remaining in the first half.

The Bears looked to end the opening half on an 8-0 run to take a 39-36 lead over the Trojans in the final minute of the first half, but good defense by Trey Brown led to a steal and quick layup making it a one point game at the half 39-38, Shaw.

Sophomore Cyonte Melvin opened up the second half knocking down a shot from behind the arc to give VSU a two point lead. Down the stretch, Melvin made several big plays defensively to give the Trojans momentum on the offensive end.

Both teams played an aggressive second half and with 4:46 remaining in the game a free throw by Granberry knotted the score at 63-all. The Trojans fought to overcome five ties in the second half.

With 30 seconds remaining on the game clock, a three point shot by Moore untied the score for the last time and gave the Trojans a boost in momentum to close out the contest. The Trojans went three for four at the line in the final seconds of the game to secure the 75-69 victory.

The Trojans ended the night shooting 49.1% (26-53) from the field, 36.8% (7-19) from behind the arc, and 80% (16-20) at the line, while SU ended the game shooting 51% (25-49) from the field, 53.3% (8-15) from behind the arc, and 61.1% (11-18) 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.