ETTRICK, VA (January 25, 2020) - The Virginia State University men's basketball team secured a close 69-60 CIAA victory over the Vikings of Elizabeth City State University.
 
The win moves the Trojans to a 13-6 overall record, 8-1 in the conference.
 
First Half
Despite the Vikings securing the first basket of the game, a 3-pointer by Armond Griebe and a layup by Andrew Corum put the Trojans on the board for a 5-2 lead. Griebe would soon return to the arc to extend VSU's lead.
 
Walter Williams got in on the action with a 3-pointer, followed by a steal and dunk.
 
The Trojans worked to stay consistent on the court with a 16-13 lead with 9:39 left in the half.
 
Although ECSU attempted to take control, VSU found space to make key plays bringing the score up, 23-19, with under 5 minutes left in the half.
 
Lual Daniel Rahama returned from the timeout with a perimeter shot in favor of the Trojans.
 
At the half, VSU held a 31-23 lead over the Vikings.
 
Second Half
The visiting Vikings seemed to take control of the second half with a 6-0 run to start. Williams stepped in to break the Vikings flow with a jumper. The momentum continued with a 3-point play by Corum.
 
At the first charged timeout of the half, the Trojans held a 39-32 lead over ECSU.
 
Unexpected calls in favor the Vikings, closed the scoring gap, 39-37, but the Trojans worked to stay in control.
 
Although ECSU secured a 3-pointer, bring the score up 42-41, Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald answered back with the same. Minutes later, the same play repeated with a follow up by Fitzgerald.
 
VSU continued to press the court and make key plays, allowing Williams to secure a shot from behind the arc for a 55-46 lead.
 
Unforeseen calls on the Vikings worked in the Trojans favor sending Williams to the line.
 
In the final seconds, VSU dominated the court for a 69-60 win over the Vikings.
 
Leaders
Walter Williams controlled the Trojans scoring with 15 points, followed by Andrew Corum with 13 points. Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald and Armond Griebe were equally matched with 10 points each. Fitzgerald controlled the boards for VSU with 6 rebounds.
 
Up Next
The VSU men's basketball team will travel to Lincoln, PA to take on the Lions of Lincoln University on January 27. Tipoff is set for 7:30pm.
 
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.