INDIANA, Pa. (November 10, 2018) – The Virginia State University men's basketball team (0-2) suffered a tough 69-67 loss to host Indiana University of Pennsylvania on the final day of the IRMC / Hilton Garden Inn Classic.  
 
Senior Jahmere Howze (Cleveland, OH) led the Trojans with a game high 15 points and six  rebounds. Howze shot 4-of-8 from the field. Senior Jalen Jackson was VSU's second leading scorer with contributing 14 total points. Followed by Cyonte Melvin (6) and Cedric Wiggins (6). Armond Griebe was the game's leading rebounder with seven recoveries.    
 
The lead changed hands twice in the first half until Virginia State took its first lead at 32-23 on a three-pointer by senior Walter Williams at the 3:56 mark. The Trojans maintained a lead for over the remaining minutes of action and took a 37-31 advantage into halftime.

The Trojans hit 13-of-30 field goals in the first half (43.3 percent) compared to 12-of-32 from the field (37.5 percent) for IUP.

Virginia State began the second half with a 7-0 run that gave the Trojans a seven point cushion. However, IUP answered with an 11-0 run to take the lead 47-43 at the 14:00 mark.
 
A three-pointers by Virginia State senior Antwan Miles helped the Trojans cut IUP's lead 54-51 with 9:00 left in the contest.
 
The Trojans continued to fight cutting lead down to five (60-65) with 3:06 remaining on the game clock. The Trojans added seven points in the remaining minutes but wasn't enough as the host secured the victory.  
 
As a team, Virginia State shot just 40.7 percent (25-of-54) from the field and 11-of-27 (40.7 percent) from distance.  The Trojans had a good night going 12-of-14 from the free throw line (85.7 percent) and managed only 29 rebounds.
 
IUP wrapped up the evening at 42.3 percent from the field on a 22-of-52 effort while knocking down 5-of-7 three-pointers (29.4 percent). The Crimson Hawks made a living at the charity stripe, making 20-of-29 (69 percent) for the win.
 
Malik Miller posted game-highs of 24 points and five rebounds to lead IUP while teammate Jacobo Diaz added 20 points.
 
The Trojans will return to action on Wednesday, November 14^th for its home season opener as they host Wingate University. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
 
For the most up-to-date information on VSU men's basketball, please visit www.govsutrojans.com and follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports.