Ettrick, VA- The Virginia State University men's basketball team thrashed the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University, 81-42, on February 11 for the CIAA Television Spotlight game.

The Trojans improve to a 20-4 overall record, 12-2 in the CIAA. Tonight's win marks the second consecutive season where the Trojans have recorded 20 wins.

Junior Richard Granberry led the charge for the Trojans offensively recording 15 points. Junior Brice Rowe and Sophomore Walter Williams each followed up with 11 points. Rowe also led the defensive effort securing 10 rebounds for a double-double.

The Vikings were offensively and defensively led by Elon Edwards who recorded 19 points and 7 rebounds.

The Trojans were explosive in the paint, scoring 42 points to the Vikings 8. The VSU bench also proved to be strong scoring 35 points for the win.

Granberry opened up the game for the Trojans with a jumper on their first possession, but moments later a 3 pointer from Edwards gave ECSU a 3-2 edge. Both teams exchanged baskets and at the 15:44 mark the score was tied 8-all. A layup by Granberry sparked a 14-4 run by the Trojans, giving VSU a 22-12 lead.

The Trojans outscored the Vikings 36-18 in the first half.

A jump shot by junior Waymond Wright initiated the scoring for the Trojans in the second half, giving VSU a 20 point cushion with a lot of basketball left to play. The Vikings answered back with a layup from Jones which turned into a 6-0 run chipping away at the lead, but the Trojans quickly regrouped stopping the Vikings in their tracks. Granberry and Rowe scored the Trojans next 10 points opening the scoring gap back up 55-31.

Defensively ECSU had no answer for the Trojans. VSU held their largest lead of the night with 19 seconds remaining on the game clock up by 39 points. A three pointer by senior Matt Murphy in the final seconds, sealed the deal on the Trojans 81-42 victory.

VSU ended the night shooting 50% (29-58) from the field, 36.4% (4-11) from behind the arc, and 76.9% (10-13) at the line, while ECSU ended the game shooting 26.3% (15-57) from the field, 27.8% (5-18) from behind the arc, and 66.7% (4-6) at the line.

The Trojans will take on the Bulldogs of Bowie State University on February 15 for VSU's Senior Night.  Tip-off is set for 7:30pm at the VSU Multipurpose Center.

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.