MURFREESBORO, NC- The VSU Trojans men's basketball team secured a win over the Hawks of Chowan University on February 8 with a final score of 62-56.

The victory moves the Trojans to a 19-4 overall record, 11-2 in the conference, while the Hawks are setback to a 16-7 overall record, 8-5 in the CIAA.

Taking charge of the game with 23 points was junior Richard Granberry. Junior Trey Brown controlled the Trojans recoveries with 8 rebounds.

Chowan's Kevin Kuteyi led their team in scoring with 16 points, while Jeremy Smith led the Hawks with 5 rebounds.

Both teams toggled for the lead to tip off the first half. A jumper by junior Waymond Wright and a layup by sophomore Cyonte Melvin gave the Trojans a 6-3 short lead. A visit to the line and a 3 pointer early in the half fueled the home team to take dominate the court. The Trojans trailed 33-27 at halftime.

VSU came out of the locker room, refocused for the second half. Gradually chipping away at the scoring gap, the Trojans reclaimed the lead with 7:56 left in regulation. With Grandberry securing 19 of his 23 points in the second half, VSU worked together to maintain the lead and take the win.

The Trojans were able to overpower the Hawks in second chance points (9-5), fast break points (2-0) and points in the paint (24-14). Both teams were equally matched in points off of turnovers (5-5).

VSU ended the matchup shooting 43.8 percent (21-48) from the field, 25.0 percent (3-12) from behind the arc, and 77.3 percent (17-22) at the line, while CU ended the game shooting 36.5 percent (19-52) from the field, 26.7 percent (4-15) from behind the arc, and 82.4 percent (14-17) at the line.

The Trojans will take on the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University on February 11.  Tip-off for the ASPIRE Televised game is set for 4pm 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.