ETTRICK, VA (January 6, 2020)- The Virginia State University men's basketball team overpowered the Livingstone Blue Bears to secure a 82-67 victory at home.
The win moves the Trojans to a 10-5 overall record, while Livingstone is 8-6 on the season.
 
First Half
Lual Daniel Rahama opened the game with a quick answer back, tying the score 2-all. A dunk from both teams retied the score, but Andrew Corum gave VSU the first lead of the game with a put back.
A scoreless few minutes seemed to leave the Trojans plagued, but a shot from the perimeter by Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald closed the scoring gap, 11-9. A second chance basket by William Vedder tied the game 11-all, followed by Fitzgerald at the line to complete a three point play.

At the second charged timeout of the half, the Trojans held a 14-11 lead. Despite a bucket by the Blue Bears, a power play by Rahama gave him a three point play in favor of VSU.
Vedder found his place under the Trojans basket allowing space for Fitzgerald to secure a dunk and a shot from behind the arc for a 26-15 lead. Finding opportunities of his own, Vedder soon followed through with 3-pointer. Antwan Miles also got in on the action with a shot from the perimeter.

VSU continued to show up and show out, finding flaws in Livingstone's game. Entering the game, Halil Parks joined in on the Trojans perimeter shots. VSU would continue to stay on a steady drive over the Blue Bears.

After a slow start, VSU gained momentum to secure a 50-24 halftime score.
 
Second Half
Williams and Rahama kept the three pointer action going to start the second half for the Trojans. Finding the necessary openings, VSU held a 62-35 lead at the first charged timeout of the half.
After a series of calls in favor of Livingstone, the scoring gap quickly decreased, 66-41. The Trojans battled through, securing needed jumpers and rebounds to mimic their productivity from the first half.
Returning to the court after a timeout with 8:35 left in regulation, Fitzgerald puts up a 3-pointer to extend the Trojans lead. Despite Livingstone stepping up their defense, VSU readjusted to stay in control.

The effects of the visitors were short lived as VSU took the 82-67 win!

Leaders
Leading the Trojans with 16 points was Francis "BJ" Fitzgerald, followed by Walter Williams with 13 points. William Vedder followed through with 11 points, while Lual Daniel Rahama rounded out the double digit scoring for VSU with 10 points. Vedder controlled the boards for VSU with nine rebounds, while Antwan Miles chipped in with eight assists.
 
Up Next
The VSU men's basketball team will travel to Winston- Salem, NC to face the Rams of Winston-Salem State University on Thursday, January 9. 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.