ETTRICK, VA (January 4, 2020)- The VSU Trojan men's basketball team were unable to hold on to their lead, falling to the Fayetteville State University Broncos, 83-76. The loss moves the Trojans to a 9-5 overall record, while the Broncos are now 13-2 on the season.
First Half
Despite the Broncos securing the first shot of the game, Armond Griebe drove to the basket to put VSU on the board. The teams had an early shot for shot battle as Antwan Miles responded to a perimeter shot with the same. A crowd pleasing dunk by Griebe sent the Broncos to the bench for an early timeout.
Taking advantage of the lack of ball control by FSU, Lual Daniel Rahama extended the Trojans lead with a layup. The Broncos quickly regained their footing, tying the score 9-all at the first charged timeout of the half.
A lead change in favor of the visitors, put FSU at a brief advantage. The Trojans battled to regain control, but trailed 26-22 with 4:47 left in the half.
Three consecutive shots by VSU, tied the game 28-all, giving Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald an opening to put the home team on top with a layup and single shot at the line.
Despite the Broncos taking a 32-31 lead with seconds left on the clock, Trojan free throws gave the home team a 33-32 lead at halftime.
Second Half
Rahama opened the half with a shot in the paint, but FSU quickly answered back. Miles returned the favor with a layup followed by Griebe with the same. Corum played his position under the basket, also giving the Trojans a much needed shot.
VSU's early focus in the second half was evident as they worked to keep their lead. At the first charged timeout of the second half, the Trojans held a 47-44 lead over the Broncos. Free throws by Griebe and a shot from behind the arc by Rahama gave the home team a much needed edge over FSU.
Although the Broncos closed the scoring gap, 53-52, Miles found his way to the basket to move the Trojans up two to keep their lead.
With 9:54 left in regulation, VSU held a 57-54 lead, after two free throw shots by Miles. Returning the court after a timeout, the visiting Broncos quickly jumped ahead with a score of 60-57.
After FSU went on an extended run to take a 68-59 lead over VSU, the home team called a timeout to regroup.
The battle for the lead saw a variety of shots in an effort to take the lead. Unfortunately, last minute calls did not rule in favor of the home team, resulting in VSU falling short, 83-76.
Leaders
Lual Daniel Rahama and Antwan Miles were evenly matched with 17 points each over the Broncos. Miles also chipped in six assists and a single block, while Rahama collected four assists. Armond Griebe stepped in with his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 15 rebounds.
Up Next
The VSU men's basketball team will host the Blue Bears of Livingstone College on Monday, January 6. The 7:30pm contest will tipoff at the VSU Multipurpose Center.
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.
