ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (January 26, 2019)–The Virginia State University men's basketball team (17-3, 9-0 CIAA, 3-0 Northern Division) claimed an 69-54 victory over the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University today at the R.L. Vaughan Center.
 
Brandon Holley finished with 15 points on 5-of-13 shots from the field to go along with one rebound and one assist. Jahmere Howze posted a 12-point performance, to go with four rebounds and two steals. Andrew Corum finished the contest with contributing eight points.
 
The Trojans forced 15 Elizabeth City State turnovers in the contest. Virginia State led by as many as 11 in the first half. The score was 35-24 at the half, but Elizabeth City State (10-11, 6-4 CIAA) continued to fight by adding 30 points in the second half to cut the VSU's lead with 2:59 to go. From there, the Trojans continued to add points to the board ending the game 69-54.
 
Shyheid Petteway paced ECSU with 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting, while Tyjhai Byers added nine points.
 
The Trojans collected a 35-24 halftime advantage, with nine different Trojans scoring in the opening period.
 
Despite their turnovers, the Vikings managed to stay in the game in the second half due to their free throw shooting, as they connected on 10 of 15 shots in the second half. ECSU finished the contest shooting 63.2 percent from the free throw line. The Trojans finished the contest shooting 75 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 35 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 Vikings 15 turnovers.
 
UP NEXT: The Trojans will hit the road as they travel to Bowie, Maryland for a CIAA Northern Division Matchup against the Bulldogs of Bowie State University on Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 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.