ETTRICK, VA (January 18, 2020)- The VSU Trojan men's basketball team took a 82-62 conference loss to the Panthers of Virginia Union University for the 2020 Freedom Classic Festival.
The Trojans are 12-6 on the season, 6-1 in the conference, and 0-1 in the Northern Division.
First half
An early layup by the Panthers did not hinder Lual Daniel Rahama from answering back with a 3-pointer. Entering the game for Armond Griebe, William Vedder drove in for a layup, followed by Andrew Corum with two good shots at the line.

The score quickly tied 7-all, but VUU took the lead 10-7. Walter Williams' two shots at the line move the Trojans up, but the visitors returned for a 3-pointer.

Griebe reentered the game with a layup to close the scoring, 13-11.

At a Trojans called timeout, VSU trailed 18-11, but coming out of the huddle, Williams secured a shot from behind the arc.

VSU worked to regain control, one possession at a time.  A three point play by  Corum, assisted by Rahama, moved the Trojans within tying range. Williams made his way to the line to tie the game 23-all, while Antwan Miles secured the lead for the Trojans.

Despite the Panthers taking the lead with a 3-pointer, Rahama answered back with the same to take a 28-26 lead.

The visitors seemed to have control of the game, but a 3-point play by Griebe tired the game 32-all.

A lead change and final second shot by the Panthers put VSU at a disadvantage at the half with a score of 37-34.

Second Half

Miles secured two at the line to open the half, but the Panthers continued on their run.

The Trojans worked to bounce back with a 51-38 deficit with 15:20 left in regulation. Unfavorable calls gave advantage to the visitors, but VSU tried to make every possession count.

With 9:54 left in matchup, VSU was at a 66-52 disadvantage.

Breaking their scoring drought, Rahama secured a shot in the paint for the Trojans. VUU quickly answered back to take a 20 point lead over the home team.

The Trojans battled until the final seconds of the game, but could not secure the win, with a score of 82-62. 
 
Leaders
Lual Daniel Rahama led the way for the Trojans with 12 points, while William Vedder and Antwan Miles secured 4 rebounds each.
Up Next
The VSU women's basketball team will travel to Fayetteville, NC to take on the Lady Broncos of Fayetteville State University on January 22. Tipoff is set for 5:30pm.
 
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.