ETTRICK, Va. (February 16, 2019)– No. 23 Virginia State University men's basketball team (22-4, 14-1 CIAA, 7-1 Northern Division) claimed an 78-73 victory over the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University this evening at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
Jalen Jackson led the way for the Trojans with 18 points, two rebounds, six assists, one block and one steal.
Jahmere Howze posted a 17-point performance and five rebounds.
Brandon Holley and
Cyonte Melvin finished the contest with contributing 11 and 10 points each.
The Trojans forced nine Elizabeth City Sate turnovers in the contest. Virginia State led by as many as seven in the first half. The score was 39-37 at the half, but ECSU (12-14, 8-7 CIAA) continued to fight by adding 36 points in the second half to cut the lead to one with 6:31 to go. From there, the Trojans continued to add points to the board ending the game 78-73.
Justin Faison paced the Vikings with game-high 20 points on eight-of-17 shooting, while John Maynor added 13 points. The Trojans started the game strong securing a 12-8 lead over the Vikings.
The Trojans collected a 39-37 halftime advantage, with seven 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 seven of eight shots in the second half. ECSU finished the contest shooting 87.5 percent from the free throw line. The Trojans finished the contest shooting prefect 100 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 39 in the first half tonight.
POINTS OFF TURNOVERS: The Trojans made it another game this season with 10 or more points off turnovers, scoring 13 points off the Vikings' nine turnovers.
Up Next: The Virginia State University men's basketball team will next host the Bulldogs of Bowie State University at 7:30 p.m. to close out the regular season at home on Wednesday, February 20
that 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.
