ETTRICK, Va. (January 19, 2019) – The Virginia State University men's basketball team (15-3, 7-0 CIAA) claimed an 88-73 victory over the Panthers of Virginia Union to win the 24^th Annual Freedom Classic tonight at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
 
Jalen Jackson finished with a game-high 22 points on 7-of-14 shots from the field to go along with five rebounds, four assists and one block. Cedric Wiggins posted a 18-point performance, to go with three rebound and four assists. Cyonte Melvin finished the contest with contributing 14 points. Rounding out the Trojans double digit scoring with Jahmere Howze who collected 11 points.
 
 The Trojans forced 14 Virginia Union turnovers in the contest. The win was also Virginia State's third over Virginia Union where the Trojans secured a 82-72 victory last year at the Freedom Classic. Virginia State led by as many as 21 in the second half. The score was 41-31 at the half, but Virginia Union (9-8, 5-2 CIAA) continued to fight by adding 47 points in the second half to cut the lead to 16 with 2:05 to go. From there, the Trojans continued to add points to the board ending the game 88-73.
 
Terrell Leach paced Virginia Union with 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting, while Jordan Peebles added 13 points. The Trojans started the game strong securing a 10-point advantage over the Panthers, a lead that they held the lead the entire contest.
 
The Trojans collected a 41-31 halftime advantage, with eight different Trojans scoring in the opening period.
 
Despite their turnovers, the Panthers managed to stay in the game in the second half due to their free throw shooting, as they connected on eight of 13 shots in the second half. Virginia Union finished the contest shooting 62.5 percent from the free throw line. The Trojans finished the contest shooting 82.6 percent from the free throw line.
 
 
FIRST HALF DOMINANCE: Virginia State has scored 25 or more points in the first half of majority of the games this season, scoring 41 in the first half tonight.
 
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS: The Trojans made it another game this season with 15 or more points off turnovers, scoring 16 points off the Panthers' 14 turnovers.
 
UP NEXT: The Trojans will next host the Hawks of Chowan University on Wednesday, January 23. Tip-off is slated for 7:30 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.