ETTRICK, Va. (January 23, 2019)–The Virginia State University men's basketball team (16-3, 8-0 CIAA, 2-0 Northern Division) claimed an 81-79 victory over the Hawks of Chowan University tonight at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
 
Cyonte Melvin finished with a game-high 24 points on 7-of-12 shots from the field to go along with three rebounds, six assists, two steals and one block. Andrew Corum posted a 13-point performance, to go with seven rebound and two assists. Cedric Wiggins finished the contest with contributing 14 points. Jahmere Howze contributed 12 points and six rebounds. Rounding out the Trojans double digit scoring with Brandon Holley who collected 10 points.
 
The Trojans forced 13 Chowan turnovers in the contest. Virginia State led by as many as 13 in the first half. The score was 46-42 at the half, but Chowan (11-5, 4-4 CIAA) continued to fight by adding 37 points in the second half to cut the lead to two with 2:59 to go. From there, the Trojans continued to add points to the board ending the game 81-79.
 
Timothy Bing paced Chowan with 25 points on 8-of-18 shooting, while Gus Rowland added 20 points. The Trojans started the game strong securing a 10-4 lead over the Hawks.
 
The Trojans collected a 46-42 halftime advantage, with six different Trojans scoring in the opening period.
 
Despite their turnovers, the Hawks managed to stay in the game in the second half due to their free throw shooting, as they connected on 10 of 16 shots in the second half. The Hawks finished the contest shooting 62.5 percent from the free throw line. The Trojans finished the contest shooting 65.2 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 46 in the first half tonight.
 
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS: The Trojans made it another game this season with 15 or more points off turnovers, scoring 18 points off the Hawks' 13 turnovers.
 
UP NEXT: The Trojans will next travel to Elizabeth City, North Carolina for a CIAA Northern Division Matchup on Saturday, January 26. Tip-off is slated for 4 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.