MOUNT OLIVE, NC (November 15, 2019) - The VSU Trojan men's basketball team rounded out day 1 of the 54^th Annual Pickle Classic with a 99-84 win over the hosting University of Mount Olive (UMO) Trojans. The Trojan vs. Trojan matchup also served as a homecoming event for UMO.

The victory moves VSU to a 3-1 overall record, while Mount Olive drops to a 2-1 season.

First Half
The host team did not hesitate to take an early lead over VSU in the opening minutes of the game. The Trojans would soon find comfort on the court, allowing junior transfer, Halil Parks, to make his mark. Parks was 3-for-3 from behind the arc moving VSU ahead, 18-15, with 11:35 left in the half. The Trojans battled to extend their lead, but Mount Olive found space to tie the game and take control. Jumping into high gear, VSU secured necessary baskets in the final minute of the half.

Battling back, the visiting VSU Trojans had a 48-38 halftime lead over the hosting UMO Trojans.

Second Half
The final 20 minutes of the matchup ruled in favor of VSU, as they worked collectively to gain a double digit lead. The Trojan applied pressure to the host team and capitalized off of their missed shots by securing over half of their defensive rebounds in the final half of the game.  

Extending their lead by as much as 17 points in the half, VSU stayed consistent to take the 99-84 win over Mount Olive.

Leaders
VSU had 5 Trojans to secure double digit scoring over UMO. Sophomore Antwan Miles led the charge with 20 points, followed by Halil Parks with 19 points. Along with leading VSU in recoveries with 8 rebounds each, seniors Andrew Corum and Armond Griebe tallied 17 and 14 points respectively. Rounded out the leading scorers for VSU was Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald with 11 points.

Although UMO took control of the points off of turnovers (25-18) and second chance points (19-15), VSU was able to take the win with bench points (42-23) and points in the paint (54-26).

Up Next
The Trojans will take on the Bulldogs of Barton College for day 2 of the Pickle Classic on November 16. Tipoff is set for 5pm at Komegay Arena on the campus of the University of Mount Olive.

Stay Connected
For the most up-to-date information on VSU men's basketball, please visit www.govsutrojans.com, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports and on Instagram VSUtrojans_1882.